Standard 18B
Standard 18B
Embedded Files
I can explain constitutional issues raised by federal government policy changes during times of significant events, including World War I.
Espionage Act of 1917
Espionage Act of 1917
Soon after declaring war on Germany and its allies in 1917, Congress ruled that U.S. mail could not be used for sending any material urging “Treason insurrection or forcible resistance to any law.”
The Espionage Act of 1917 made it a crime to criticize the war effort and challenged citizens liberties, such as the right to free speech which is protected under the first amendment
Sedition Act of 1918
Sedition Act of 1918
The Sedition Act of 1918 extended the Espionage Act of 1917 to cover a broader range of offenses, notably speech and the expression of opinion that cast the government or the war effort in a negative light or interfered with the sale of government bonds
As you watch this video, think about how the Espionage and Sedition acts affected the lives of everyday Americans.
As you watch this video, think about how the decision in the Schenck v. United States supreme court case affects the 1st Amendment.
Schenck v. U.S.
Schenck v. U.S.
In “Schenck v. U.S., the Supreme Court ruled that there were limits to free speech. Particularly, when it came to any kind of speech that was against U.S. involvement in World War I.
Words that present a "clear and present danger" are not protected, the court ruled.
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