Espionage Act of 1917

Definition

The Espionage Act of 1917 is a United States federal law passed shortly after the U.S. entry into World War I, making it a crime to interfere with the military's operations or support its enemies during wartime.

Related terms

Sedition Act of 1918: An extension to the Espionage Act, which made it illegal to speak out against the government or war effort.

First Amendment: Part of the Bill of Rights that protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition.

World War I: A major global conflict from 1914-1918 involving many world powers; U.S. involvement prompted laws like the Espionage Act.