The Government Limits Civil Liberties WW1 and the Air of Suspicion

Why the Paranoia? War is not usually popular. In order to ensure support, the government wants to make sure the people are backing up the war effort. “Positive” Way – convincing through propaganda “Negative” Way – punishing dissention

Espionage Act - 1917 Made giving any kind of aid to the enemy illegal Included any type of disloyalty, giving false reports, or interfering with war effort Punishment = up to $10,000 fine and 20 yrs in prison Examples: Eugene Debs made speeches opposing the draft – sentenced to 10 years in prison Edward Snowden today…NSA leaks

Schenk v. U.S. Charles Schenk, a socialist, gave flyers to newly drafted soldiers. He called being drafted involuntary servitude. He was found guilty of violating the Espionage Act. Court Case: Challenged U.S. Government and violations of free speech Supreme court said that if your words present “A clear and present danger” to the public, they were not protected (“Fire!” example) Supreme Court Limits Free Speech

Sedition Act - 1918 Made it illegal to : "willfully utter, print, write, or publish any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of the Government of the United States" or to "willfully urge, incite, or advocate any curtailment of the production" of the things "necessary or essential to the prosecution of the war." 877 people convicted

Abrams v. U.S. Jacob Abrams – young anarchist – part of a group that protested the U.S. sending troops into Russia Sentenced to 15-20 yrs in prison Court Case: Law upheld, but eventually, one of the justices changes stance on things and speaks out against government enforcement of laws that go against free speech. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.)