Espionage Act

The Espionage Act of 1917 was a U.S. law passed during World War I aimed at preventing interference with military operations and supporting the war effort. It made it a crime to obtain or share information that could harm national security, including spying or promoting dissent against the U.S. government. The act also restricted freedom of speech, making it illegal to express opposition to the war or criticize the government’s actions. This law was significant in shaping the boundaries of civil liberties during wartime and has been used in various contexts since its enactment.