social studies 8b unit 2 test society and culture
Which action would be consistent with a person who believed in civil disobedience
A a conductor on the underground Railroad guiding escapes slaves
B an angry citizen setting fire to government building
C a know-nothing party member attacking an immigrant
D a merchant banker who got wealthy by extending credit
to small businesses
A. A conductor on the underground Railroad guiding escaped slaves
To determine which action would be consistent with a person who believed in civil disobedience, we first need to understand what civil disobedience means. Civil disobedience is the deliberate refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or occupying power, usually through nonviolent means. It is typically done with the aim of bringing attention to an unjust law or policy in order to bring about change.
Now let's evaluate each of the options:
A) A conductor on the Underground Railroad guiding escaped slaves: The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African-Americans to escape to free states or Canada. This act, while illegal at the time, can be considered an example of civil disobedience as it involved defying the unjust laws that allowed slavery.
B) An angry citizen setting fire to a government building: Setting fire to a government building is an act of violence and destruction, not civil disobedience. Civil disobedience emphasizes nonviolent actions to address societal issues.
C) A Know-Nothing party member attacking an immigrant: The Know-Nothing party was a political movement in the 1850s that aimed to restrict immigration, especially from Catholic countries. Attacking an immigrant would be an act of aggression and discrimination, not civil disobedience.
D) A merchant banker who got wealthy by extending credit: This action does not align with civil disobedience. Engaging in business practices to accumulate wealth typically does not involve challenging unjust laws or policies.
Based on our analysis, option A, a conductor on the Underground Railroad guiding escaped slaves, is the action that would be consistent with a person who believed in civil disobedience.