Part 6/12:
During World War I, the U.S. government, under President Woodrow Wilson, enacted the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, dramatically restricting free expression. These laws targeted anyone questioning military actions, draft policies, or the war effort itself. They criminalized making or conveying false reports with an intent to interfere, and especially, causing insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty.
Section 3 of the Espionage Act specifically authorized punishments—up to $10,000 in fines and 20 years in prison—for such supposed offenses. Enforcing agencies interpreted these laws broadly, claiming that anti-war speech might discourage enlistment or support for the draft.