The government exerted power to reduce debate and dissent over U.S participation in World War 1 through the passing of Espionage and Sedition Acts in June 15, 1917 and 1918 respectively.
According to The Espionage and Sedition Acts, to interfere with military operations so as to promote enemy's success was a crime, and many forms of discourse were considered disloyal to the United States. These acts banned support of U.S. enemies, prohibited newspapers and magazines mailing, censored any form of expression that could question American involvement in the war, and considered that the use of profane language against the Constitution, the government, and the U.S. flag was a federal offense.