During World War I, Congress authorized two controversial pieces of legislation: the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918. The Espionage Act was finally ratified to “suppress the spread of alleged disloyalty and the maintenance of the public image of remarkable national unity behind the war effort” (James and Wells, 71). The act inhibited free speech and freedom of the press, some of which they seem to be the antithesis of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Most of the Espionage Act would be in effect only in times of war, but two provisions remained in force in times of peace (and war), the Espionage Act allowed “the issuance of search warrants for the seizure of property used as a means to commit a crime” (“Treason,” 223). Furthermore, it took measures against the sending of allegedly illegal material through the mail – a task overseen by the Post Master General. There were various fines and prison terms depending on the offense committed under the Espionage Act. The fine for sending undeliverable mail was $5,000, five years in prison, or perhaps both (“Treason,” 223). Those convicted of violating the Espionage Act would face “sentences of up to twenty years and fines of $10,000” (James and Wells, 71). Dissatisfied with the scope of the Espionage Act, Congress was forced to add an amendment to further penalize “crimes of disloyalty” against the United States (James and Wells, 71). Congress passed an amendment that would be known as the Sedition Act that expanded the scope of what would be considered disloyalty to the United States. After the war, at least one bill would be introduced sanctioning more of the Espionage Act to be enacted during times of p...... middle of paper ......Wilson took on the role of leader of a “just war,” and with much popular support he addressed Congress asking for a declaration of war (James and Wells, 26). While not everyone was pro-war, the vast majority were extremely pro-war. Congress approved the declaration of war against Germany based primarily on the unrestricted use of submarines against American ships. Thus, through the actions taken by the Germans, the United States would begin its involvement in the Great War. Works Cited James, D. Clayton, and Anne Sharp Wells. America and the Great War, 1914-1920. Wheeling: Harlan Davidson, 1998. Print.Traxel, David. 1898: The birth of the American century. New York: AA Knopf, 1998. Print."Treason, Sedition, and Civil Rights in U.S. Law." Congressional Digest 14.10 (1935): 227-231. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Network. October 10. 2011.