World War I 1914-1920

Part IV: Repression & ReactionPrior to reviewing this Power Point...

1) Read pages 663-6662) Answer the Part I guide questions

• View the Power Point, explore the related links, complete the “tasks” and take detailed notes on the content. Be prepared to discuss the content and ask questions designed to refine your understanding.

Objective…Describe how the U.S.

government enforced loyalty and discouraged dissent.

Muzzling dissent…

The Espionage Act – The Espionage Act made it a crime to provide information intended to interfere with fighting the war and promote the success of those we are fighting. If found guilty you could pay a $10Kfine & serve 20 years in prison.

Sedition Acts - The Sedition Act punished anyone found guilty of interfering with WW I by: Speaking out against the government, the flag, the Constitution or the military; It was also unlawful to interfer with the production of war materials or encourage others to do the same. Being convicted resulted in a fine of $10K and/or imprisonment

How is vigilante-ism encouraged?…

Protecting the U.S. war effort or restricting freedom…

• Eugene Debs v. U.S• Schenck v. U.S• Abrams v. U.S

* As you review these cases determine what is similar v. different.

Eugene V. Debs vs. U.S.• Outspoken socialist …Ran for President 5x• In 1918 Debs made an anti-war speech protesting US

involvement in WW I…Arrested & convicted under the Espionage Act

• Sentenced to 10 years in prison“I have been accused of having obstructed the war. I admit it.

Gentlemen, I abhor war. I would oppose the war if I stood alone.” - Eugene Debs v. U.S

Schenck v. U.S.• Sec. of the Socialist Party• Printed & distributed anti-war leaflets targeting

prospective draftees• Schenck was arrested & convicted of violating

the Espionage Act.

Abrams v. U.S• Dropped anti-war leaflets from buildings in NYC. • Denounced sending U.S. troops to Russia, US efforts

to stop the Russian Revolution & the production of war materials.

• The defendants were convicted & sentenced to 20 years in prison.

• The ruling... In a 7-2 vote the SC upheld a lower courts conviction ...the defendants' 1st Amendment (freedom of speech) was not violated in this case. They explained that the defendants' intent was to hinder the war effort and this could be implied from the leaflets. The court saw this as an application of "clear-and-present-danger.”

Objective…

Summarize how participation in World War I increased the existing social tensions in America.

Demographic ChangesThe Great Migration – In great numbers African Americans moved South to North seeking economic opportunity in northern industries stimulated by the war effort. African Americans are also trying escape the racial oppression (injustice, violence) associated with life in the South.

The Great Migration1910-20: Northern Black population increase

New York……. 66.3%Chicago……… 148.2%Philadelphia…. 58.9%Detroit……….. 611.3%Cleveland…… 307.8%

The Great MigrationHow did the Great Migration increase

racial tensions?

The Great Migration

Why did African Americans and African American leaders support the

war effort?