In the 1960s, John Lewis and his fellow civil rights activists were influenced by Thoreau's beliefs presented in "Civil Disobedience." In what ways did these civil rights activists follow the principles professed by Thoreau in his essay? Cite evidence from both reading selections to support your answer.

Thoreau defended the non-payment of taxes to a government that influenced wars in "Civil Disobedience". This influenced John Lewis and his fellow activists who decided not to pay taxes to a government that did not consider them citizens, separated them from the rest of society and did not allow them to vote.

Explanation:

In "Civil Disobedience" Thoreau expressed how wrong it was to pay taxes to the US government, which would use taxes to finance wars and not to promote good to society. For this reason, Thoreau decided to stop paying taxes and was arrested for it, but he felt that the arrest was beneficial because it drew attention to the cause he was raising.

Lewis, along with some friends, was a black law activist and decided that he would not pay taxes to a government that subjugates blacks, does not treat them as citizens, does not allow them to vote and separates them from society. He was also not afraid of being arrested and saw prison as a boon to the cause.