We're fearful of possible German activity in the u.s.
The Espionage and Sedition Acts (1917-1918) *Wartime Only*
Sedition and espionage actAdded: It was passed in 1917 and repealed in 1921
the espionage act (1917) and the sedition act(1918) were used by president woodrow wilson administration during world war I to
significant limitations of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.Each law introduced significant limitations of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The Espionage Act prevented American from, among other things, speaking out against the military draft, while the Sedition Act prohibited Americans from using "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language." Though the Sedition Act was repealed 3 years later, the Espionage Act remains in effect.
The Sedition Act tried to curb republican criticism of government policy. It basically stopped people from speaking disrespectfully against the government. The Sedition Act made any activity designed to overthrow a government illegal. The 1918 Sedition Act was passed by the United States Congress was a means of expanding the 1917 Espionage Act. Woodrow Wilson signed it into law.
The congress passed the espionage act in 1917 to find out if anyone giving false reports or interfering with the war effort.
It was a reaction to the Russian revolution as well as a result of US participation in WW 1. Its intent was to surpress verbal or written opposition to US war policies and of the expression of 'un-American/unpatriotic' opinion.
Espionage Act of 1917
Ban opposition groups from using the U.S. mail service, eliminate public criticism of the President, crack down on the Socialist Party opposition to World War I and to stop people from disseminating anti-draft literature.
The Sedition Act of 1918 restricted freedom of speech during wartime by making it illegal to criticize the government, the military, or the war effort. It aimed to prevent dissent and maintain morale among the American population during World War I. The act was eventually repealed in 1920.
the espionage act of 1917
Espionage Act