Question

Which rationale was given for the Espionage and Sedition Acts passed during World War I?

Responses

They would protect the civil liberties of U.S. citizens.
They would protect the civil liberties of U.S. citizens.

They would eliminate communism.
They would eliminate communism.

They would provide national security.
They would provide national security.

They would prevent spying on U.S. shipping.

Answer 1

The rationale given for the Espionage and Sedition Acts passed during World War I was:

C. They would provide national security.

These acts were passed in 1917 and 1918, respectively, to address concerns about espionage and dissent during World War I. The Espionage Act made it illegal to interfere with military operations or recruitment, while the Sedition Act made it illegal to speak out against the government or the war effort. The justification for these acts was that they were necessary to protect national security during a time of war.