A Century of Repression: The Espionage Act and Freedom of the Press

A Century of Repression explores how the Espionage Act of 1917 has been used to suppress freedom of the press in modern American history, covering its use during the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the War on Terror.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

A Century of Repression delves into an unparalleled and comprehensive chronicle of the historical application of the Espionage Act of 1917, a law that has posed a significant yet often overlooked threat to press freedom in modern American history. This insightful book meticulously outlines the government's utilization of the Act to regulate and restrict information concerning U.S. military and foreign policy during pivotal periods such as the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the War on Terror. Moreover, it sheds light on the Act's role in providing a cloak of legitimacy for settling political scores, facilitating illegal break-ins, and perpetuating prosecutorial misconduct. By examining the historical context, legal implications, and societal impact of the Espionage Act, A Century of Repression offers a profound exploration of the challenges and dangers faced by journalists and media organizations in a nation committed to safeguarding freedom of expression. This essential work serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the intricate relationship between government power, press freedom, and the preservation of democratic values.

A Century of Repression offers an unprecedented and panoramic history of the use of the Espionage Act of 1917 as the most important yet least understood law threatening freedom of the press in modern American history.

It details government use of the Act to control information about U.S. military and foreign policy during the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the War on Terror.

The Act has provided cover for the settling of political scores, illegal break-ins, and prosecutorial misconduct.

This insightful book meticulously outlines the government's utilization of the Act to regulate and restrict information concerning U.S. military and foreign policy during pivotal periods such as the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the War on Terror.

Moreover, it sheds light on the Act's role in providing a cloak of legitimacy for settling political scores, facilitating illegal break-ins, and perpetuating prosecutorial misconduct.

By examining the historical context, legal implications, and societal impact of the Espionage Act, A Century of Repression offers a profound exploration of the challenges and dangers faced by journalists and media organizations in a nation committed to safeguarding freedom of expression.

This essential work serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the intricate relationship between government power, press freedom, and the preservation of democratic values.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086632