Question

12/18 munit 12 assessment
12.06 why were so many americans opposed to the espionage act?
it criminally prosecuted citizens that refused to fight in the war.
it violated the constitution by outlawing all free speech.
it established a network of domestic spies to uncover antiwar movements.

Explanation:

To determine why Americans opposed the Espionage Act, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The Espionage Act wasn't about prosecuting those who refused to fight (that's more related to conscription laws).
• Option 2: The Espionage Act (and later Sedition Act) restricted speech seen as aiding enemies or obstructing war efforts, which many viewed as violating the First Amendment's free speech protections.
• Option 3: The Act focused on punishing speech/activities aiding enemies, not establishing domestic spies (though surveillance occurred, this isn't its main opposition driver).

So the key opposition was over free speech violations.

Answer:

B. It violated the constitution by outlawing all free speech.