World War I
Infringements and Limitations:
- Espionage Act
- Sedition Act
- Draft Opposition
- Shneck v United States
- 1st Amendment
Background
WWI began as conflict erupted in Europe, with many countries taking sides. In the beginning of WWI, America was neutral. In the election of 1912, Woodrow Wilson ran on a platform of isolationism from the war. However, tensions increased over German U-Boat attacks and the Zimmerman Telegram, an attempt by Germans to create an alliance with Mexico in the case that the US entered the war. In 1917, the US entered the war, as President Wilson stated, to "make the world safe for democracy".
The US entrance into The Great War promoted opposition to the draft because some Americans were under the impression that there wouldn't be any involvement in the war. Protests against the draft and war effort took place almost right after the US declared war. The government responded in 1918 with the Espionage and Sedition Acts. These laws prohibited any kind of disloyal speech against the United States and interference with the war effort.
Schenck v United States
Schenck v United States was a Supreme Court case over the actions of Charles Schenck during WWI. He was arrested for distributing pamphlets that were against the war effort and encouraged citizens to resist the government. He charged with conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act due to his attempt to stop people from enlisting. In a unanimous decision on March 3, 1919, the Supreme Court ruled that Schenck's words created a clear and present danger to the United States, thus he was not protected by the right to free speech. This case establishes that free speech rights are limited in times of war.