Was Freedom of speech before the revolutionary war?

Answer 1

Before the American Revolutionary War, freedom of speech was not fully recognized in the colonies. While some colonists expressed their views openly, especially in pamphlets and newspapers, they often faced censorship and punishment for criticizing British rule or local authorities. The concept of free speech was emerging, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, but it was not legally protected as it would later be in the U.S. Constitution. Consequently, the struggle for freedom of speech became a significant part of the revolutionary ethos.