b) The Espionage Act of 1917

The Espionage Act of 1917, passed during the First World War, had a significant impact on civil liberties, reflecting the complex effects of the war on the Progressive Movement. The act was designed to prohibit interference with military operations, support for U.S. enemies during wartime, and the promotion of insubordination in the military. While aimed at protecting national security, it also led to restrictions on free speech, with numerous prosecutions for anti-war activities and critical statements about the government. The Espionage Act’s passage and its implications for civil liberties represent the tension between national security and individual rights, a recurrent theme in American history, especially during times of war.