State Historical Society of Iowa

Espionage Act of 1917, June 15, 1917

 Download Image Resource

Courtesy of Library of Congress, 15 June 1917

Description

The Espionage Act of 1917 was passed two months after America's entrance into World War I. It was, "An act to punish acts of interference with the foreign relations, the neutrality and the foreign commerce of the United States, to punish espionage, and better to enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and for other purposes." It was intended to prohibit interference with military operations or recruitment, to prevent insubordination in the military and to prevent the support of United States enemies during wartime.

Full Transcript of Espionage Act of 1917

Transcribed Excerpts from Espionage Act of 1917

Source Dependent Questions

  • What did the Espionage Act define as criminal acts?
  • Using evidence from the Espionage Act, what was the expectation of support for the war effort from American citizens?
  • Compare the Espionage Act to the "This Must Not Be!" cartoon. How did the Espionage Act limit freedom of speech? Support your answer with evidence from the Act and at least one other source.

Citation Information

"Espionage Act of 1917," 15 June 1917. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress