Lecture Notes on Espionage and Sedition Acts during WW1

Context of US Entry into WW1

• World War I Start: July 28, 1914.
• US Initial Stance:
  • President Wilson declared neutrality, with no interest in joining the war.
  • Election of 1916: Wilson's re-election campaign emphasized "He kept us out of the war."
• Change in Stance:
  • April 2, 1917: Wilson sought a declaration of war against Germany to "make the world safe for democracy."
  • Congressional Action:
    • 4 days after Wilson's speech, Congress declared war.
    • Dissent in Congress: 6 senators and 50 house members voted against joining the war.
• Notable Opponents:
  • Jeannette Rankin, a lifelong pacifist, voted against war declarations in both WW1 and WW2.

Opposition to US Entry into WW1

• General Public Opinion: Mostly supportive, but some groups opposed the war.
• Opposition Groups:
  • Pacifists: Opposed all wars, viewing them as immoral.
  • Anarchists & Socialists: Believed the war benefited capitalism and American business interests.
  • Women's Groups & African Americans: Criticized the claim to fight for democracy, as US democracy was limited.
  • German Immigrants: Opposed due to ties with homeland.
  • Intellectuals & Union Members: Also voiced opposition.

Government Actions to Promote War Effort

• Promotion of Nationalism:
  • Committee on Public Information (CPI): Created by Wilson to garner public support.
  • Propaganda Campaign: Utilized movies, speeches, posters to influence opinion.
  • Activities Encouraged: Buying war bonds, conserving food.

Restriction on Dissent

• Espionage Act of 1917:
  • Crime to convey information that interfered with US war efforts.
  • Punishment for protesting draft or discouraging military enlistment.
• Sedition Act of 1918:
  • Crime to speak or write disloyally about the government/war.
  • Aimed to suppress pro-German, anti-war, or anti-British sentiments.
  • Applicable to speech, writing, or any treasonous activity.
  • Penalties: Fines over $10,000 and up to 20 years in prison.

Impact and Consequences

• Discrimination:
  • Increase in hatred towards immigrants, especially Germans and Austro-Hungarians.
  • Deportations: Affected foreign-born individuals.
  • Arrests: Over 1500 people prosecuted under the Espionage and Sedition Acts.
• Summary:
  • Many jailed for anti-war dissent.
  • Foreign individuals faced deportation.
  • Anti-war individuals often labeled as un-American.

Conclusion: The Espionage and Sedition Acts were pivotal in shaping the home front during WW1, focusing on promoting nationalism and suppressing dissent.