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The Sedition Act criminalized writing or publishing false statements against the
Featured Event 1798 Event

July 14

Sedition Act Signed: Criticizing the Government Is Now a Crime

The Sedition Act criminalized writing or publishing false statements against the U.S. government, instantly silencing political opponents and provoking fierce debates over free speech. This law sparked a backlash that helped doom the Federalist Party in the 1800 election and set a lasting precedent for how Americans defend dissenting voices against state power.

July 14, 1798

228 years ago

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