How were civil liberties restricted during WWI? and was it neccessary for the war effort?

Answer 1

I would not going looking for information on the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War I (1914 - 1918) - because the United States of America was not at war with the Empire of Japan until December, 1941.

Throughout World War One press censorship in the U.K. restricted the freedom of the press. It was necessary, as even the slightest news about the war effort could aid an enemy in war time. Remember - "Loose lips sink ships."

Answer 2

After the US entered the First World War in 1917, there was a wave of what has been called "war hysteria." This led to a degree of censorship, and not only of the newspapers.

German was no longer taught in many schools, frankfurters were dubbed "liberty sausage," and there was a book dealing with the American Revolution that was harshly criticized because it depicted the British army--now our allies--in what was felt to be an unfavorable light. Businesses owned by German-Americans were sometimes vandalized or boycotted.

Now, obviously, none of the things in the above paragraph had anything at all to do with the war effort--but they stand as warnings as to how easily the "mob mentality" can be aroused. None of these--except for the censorship of the press--were sanctioned by the government, yet just the fact that someone had a German-sounding surname could be enough to make others question his or her loyalty. This occurred in spite of the fact that many of these people were American citizens, sometimes even second- or third-generation ones.

Answer 3

First place I would look for information is the internment of Japanese-Americans. Within the states that group of people lost the most liberty. Was it necessary? - Many people believed so at the time, but the tide of public opinion has turned.

Edit- oops, sorry I read the question as WWII