State Historical Society of Iowa

"Don't Talk"

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "Don't Talk"

Description

From the beginning of World War I, the U.S. government was concerned that European immigrants would be loyal to their former nations, causing conflicts in the United States. As the war progressed, German immigrants and German Americans were seen as more of a threat. This poster was similar to others at the time that warned caution due to a perceived number of foreign spies.

Source Dependent Questions

  • How does the poster attempt to normalize limitations on speech during World War I?
  • How does the poster provide an argument for the Espionage Act and limits to German language in acts like the Babel Proclamation? Was this expectation of unanimous support for the war effort justified? Why or why not?
  • How does this source balance support for the war with American values?

Citation Information

"Don't Talk, the Web Is Spun for You With Invisible Threads, Keep Out of It, Help to Destroy It--Spies Are Listening." [Boston: Walker Lith. & Pub. Co., ?] Photograph. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress