Criticism Of World War 1

Critics of the first world war, were not “anti-American”, but quite the contrary. As they were utilizing their first amendment right, were often the very citizens fighting in the war, and were founded on the idea that the government worked for them, not the other way around. At this time when many nations and states were rebelling and conquering against one another all over Europe, many Americans didn’t want to become involved including Woodrow Wilson, the president of the united states at the time. This lead to large criticism of World War One, and many new acts and policies regarding speech on the subject.
The first amendment right was a large point of contention in America during the first World War. Obviously being a very complex and

debated topic throughout America's history. Described by Oliver Wendell Holmes as “the question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent.” It's by far the most important and basic human right covered in our constitution, and without it, our country wouldn’t have survived to see the year 1914 let alone deal with a worldwide conflict. Despite this, multiple acts were passed covering every and any Minot criticism or negativity towards the war. The more egregious of the 2, The Sedition Act, states that offenders shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or the imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both. Putting a harsh restraint on free speech and what it means to be an American, all for voicing an opinion. This is especially insulting to the people as their fathers and sons died in a war they had no vote or say in. Officials would pedal the patriotic and moral duty we had to fight miles from home but would sit atop the riches while the middle class rotted in trenches for months on end. Eugene Debs, a socialist Leader describes these instances and asks the question “Whose interests are served?”. This very question tries to prod the citizens and anyone reading or listening to take a perspective on our government, as a servant of the people, not our masters.
Critics of World War One were looked down upon by their government and had severe punishment looming over their heads if they were to give power to their voice. Regardless; they should be remembered as the most American, not Anti. Exercising the first amendment, reminding others that the government worked for the people, and fighting the very war they were against all strengthening the idea of America that is upheld by our institutions, values and our land are not products of sneaky coercion but a dream that is shot into us through our democratic process.