What were the espionage act and the sedition act?

Answer 1

The Espionage Act of 1917 was a United States federal law passed shortly after entering World War I, on June 15, 1917, which made it a crime for a person: * to convey information with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the armed forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies. This was punishable by death or by imprisonment for not more than 30 years * to convey false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies and whoever when the United States is at war, to cause or attempt to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States, or to willfully obstruct the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States. This was punishable by a maximum $USD 10,000 fine (almost $170,000 in today's dollars) and 20 years in prison. The Espionage Act of 1917 was a United States federal law passed shortly after entering World War I, on June 15, 1917, which made it a crime for a person: * to convey information with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the armed forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies. This was punishable by death or by imprisonment for not more than 30 years * to convey false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies and whoever when the United States is at war, to cause or attempt to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States, or to willfully obstruct the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States. This was punishable by a maximum $USD 10,000 fine (almost $170,000 in today's dollars) and 20 years in prison.

Answer 2

They limited what the citizens could say or do.

The Espionage Act was a direct result of the Selective service act, which was put in place so that all men ages 18-45 years had to register for the military draft, and made it illegal for men to avoid the draft. (By fleeing the country, paying someone to take their place, etc.)

The Sedition Act made it illegal (a crime) to publish anything against the government during a time of war, Limiting the U.S. Citizens freedom of speech rights during war.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

The goal of the espionage and sedition acts was to silence anyone who might speak out against the war. They arrested people who protested the war, or who expressed pro British sentiments.