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Why did the us congress pass the espionage act in 1917

User Cirem
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The U.S. Congress passed the Espionage Act in 1917 as a response to concerns about national security during World War I. The act was primarily aimed at prohibiting interference with military operations, preventing insubordination in the military, and promoting national loyalty. The law made it a federal crime to interfere with the draft, obstruct military recruitment, promote insubordination in the military, or use disloyal language about the government or the war effort. It also allowed for the censorship of the press and the suppression of dissenting voices that were seen as a threat to national security. The act was controversial and led to the arrest and imprisonment of thousands of individuals who were accused of violating its provisions, including prominent socialists, labor leaders, and anti-war activists.

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