Enforcing Loyalty and Stifling Dissent (21 - 24)

21.) Fear of what was reflected by the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918? Who tended to be persecuted under them?

Fear of Germans as well as fear of anti-war Americans was reflected by the passing of the Espionage and Sedition Acts. Typically, socialists and members of the radical Industrial Workers of the World.

22.) Under these laws, what could be prosecuted?

Any criticism of the government could be prosecuted through censoring and punishment.

23.) Schnenck v. United States (1919)

In this case, the Supreme Court affirmed the Espionage and Sedition Acts for the reason that freedom of speech could be revokes when it "posed a clear and present danger" to the nation.

24.) What happened to some people convicted under these policies after things had cooled off?

In most cases, offenders were pardoned, though a few were left behind bars. One man who received pardon was Eugene V. Debs, who was pardoned in 1921 after is conviction under the Espionage Act in 1918.

For Joe.....

...and for George with the movie reference for the day...