Why did the wilson administration place wartime limitations on free speech

The onset of war led to a patriotic fervor, fed by an intense government propaganda campaign. It also led to new challenges to the concept of free speech.

Within a few weeks of declaring war, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Espionage Act of 1917. This law, which is still largely in effect, makes it a crime to do three things. First, convey false information in order to interfere with the American military, or promote the success of America’s enemies. Second, cause or attempt to cause insubordination within the military. Third, willfully obstruct military recruitment or enlistment.

The following year, Wilson signed the more restrictive Sedition Act of 1918, which criminalized disloyal, profane, scurrilous or abusive speech about the United States or its symbols; speech to impede war production; and statements supporting a country with which the U.S. was at war.

These laws – the first wartime restrictions on speech in American history – were unprecedented challenges to the right of free expression. But the courts, including the United States Supreme Court, generally upheld them as necessary wartime restrictions.

As a scholar and lawyer focused on freedom of speech in the U.S., I have ... Within a few weeks of declaring war, President Woodrow Wilson signed the ... These laws – the first wartime restrictions on speech in American history – were ... More recently, there have been some calls for limitations on speech

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