Eugene Debs: The Great War and the Right to Dissent

On June 16, 1918, socialist leader Eugene Debs delivered a speech in Canton, Ohio, that would lead to his arrest and imprisonment under the Espionage Act of 1917.

Democracy's Prisoner: Eugene V. Debs, the Great War, and the Right to Dissent

by Ernest Freeberg

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

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In his speech, Debs denounced the United States' entry into World War I, arguing that it was a war for profit and imperialism. He also criticized the government's crackdown on dissent, which he saw as a violation of the First Amendment.

Debs' speech was met with both support and opposition. Some people agreed with his anti-war message, while others accused him of treason.

In September 1918, Debs was indicted under the Espionage Act. He was charged with obstructing the recruitment of soldiers for the war effort.

Debs' trial began in March 1919. He was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Debs appealed his conviction, but it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1920.

Debs served three years of his sentence before being pardoned by President Warren Harding in 1921.

Debs' Legacy

Eugene Debs was one of the most important labor leaders and socialists in American history. He was a lifelong fighter for the rights of workers and the poor.

Debs' opposition to World War I and his defense of free speech are particularly relevant in today's political climate.

In a time when war and dissent are once again being used to silence critics, Debs' words are a reminder that we must never give up the fight for our freedoms.

Timeline of Events

• June 16, 1918: Debs delivers his anti-war speech in Canton, Ohio.
• September 1918: Debs is indicted under the Espionage Act.
• March 1919: Debs' trial begins.
• April 1919: Debs is convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
• 1920: The Supreme Court upholds Debs' conviction.
• 1921: Debs is pardoned by President Warren Harding.

Additional Resources

• The Espionage Act of 1917
• Eugene Debs: Union Wars and Labor
• Eugene Debs: Spartacus Educational

Democracy's Prisoner: Eugene V. Debs, the Great War, and the Right to Dissent

by Ernest Freeberg

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE