One reason Thoreau opposed the Mexican-American War was that he believed it

Henry David Thoreau opposed the Mexican-American War primarily because he believed it was fought to add more territory to the United States where slavery would be legal. Thoreau viewed the war as an immoral effort to expand slaveholding territories, which he strongly opposed. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**was fought to add more states where slavery would be legal.**

Based on Thoreau’s transcendental beliefs, why might he have written an essay opposing the war?

to explain the individual’s responsibilities within a corrupt society

to begin his own political career

to call attention to the ways in which the government was essentially good

to express his lack of interest in societal issues

Based on Thoreau’s transcendental beliefs, he might have written an essay opposing the war **to explain the individual’s responsibilities within a corrupt society**. Thoreau emphasized the importance of individual conscience and moral integrity, encouraging people to resist government actions that they deemed unjust, such as the Mexican-American War. Thus, his work was aimed at prompting individuals to take a stand against societal wrongs.

Consider what you know about transcendental beliefs, Thoreau’s response to the Mexican-American War, and the details surrounding the war. With this context, what idea can you expect to find in Thoreau’s essay “Civil Disobedience”?

support for the war and slavery

praise for the Mexican government

disapproval of government involvement

In Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience," you can expect to find **disapproval of government involvement**. Thoreau advocates for individuals to resist unjust government actions, and he specifically critiques the government's role in the Mexican-American War and its support for slavery. He emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to act according to their conscience, even if it means disobeying unjust laws.

Which main point do you anticipate Thoreau will make in his essay?

Citizens should always obey laws that the government creates.

Citizens should not support a government that does unethical things.

The government needs to support and reform unethical citizens.

The main point you can anticipate Thoreau will make in his essay "Civil Disobedience" is that **citizens should not support a government that does unethical things**. Thoreau emphasizes the importance of individual conscience and the moral obligation to resist unjust laws and government actions. He argues that it is the responsibility of citizens to stand against a government that acts immorally, rather than blindly obeying it.

Think back to your predictions. Which of Thoreau’s ideas were presented in the text? Check the two boxes that best apply.

disapproval of government involvement

support of the war and slavery

belief that citizens should not support a government that does unethical things

belief that the government needs to support and reform unethical citizens

The two ideas from your predictions that are presented in Thoreau's text "Civil Disobedience" are:

- **disapproval of government involvement**
- **belief that citizens should not support a government that does unethical things**

These ideas encapsulate Thoreau's core arguments concerning the responsibility of individuals to resist and oppose unjust government actions.

Which of the following is evidence of the historical context in which “Civil Disobedience” was written? Check the three boxes that best apply.

reference to the Mexican-American War

reference to other literature of the time

reference to North American geography

reference to political ideas of the time

The three boxes that best apply as evidence of the historical context in which "Civil Disobedience" was written are:

- **reference to the Mexican-American War**
- **reference to political ideas of the time**
- **reference to North American geography**

These elements provide insight into the social and political environment of the period, highlighting the issues Thoreau was responding to in his essay. However, it should be noted that while other literature may provide context, it is not a direct historical context item relevant to Thoreau's arguments in "Civil Disobedience."