The Birth of Free Speech

Explore the evolution of free speech in the United States through this 35-minute lecture from the series "The U.S. Constitution through History." Trace the development of First Amendment rights from the ratification of the Constitution in 1791 to modern interpretations. Examine key historical events, including the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, free speech challenges during industrialization, and landmark World War I-era cases. Analyze the suppression of dissent, Oliver Wendell Holmes' influential opinions, and the pivotal Abrams v. United States decision. Gain insights into the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and its implications in contemporary society.