Freedom of expression is a "sacred right" of the American people, enshrined in the Constitution. This volume explores America's most cherished and controversial freedom through 11 touchstone events, featuring pro and con documents and expert analysis.

Starting with John Adams' divisive Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, James Magee follows the history of freedom of expression issues throughout the course of American history: the Abolitionist Movement; the Civil War; The Comstock Law; World War I; the Cold War and the "Red Menace"; the Civil Rights Movement; the Vietnam War; the Nazi March on Skokie; Political Correctness and Free Speech on Campus; and the Internet. These events show the variety, complexity, and intensity that freedom of speech and expression issues engender and illustrate how the United States has worked through these contentious periods, with American citizens' freedoms remaining intact, if not enhanced. This is the perfect reference for students and researchers interested in the applied history of the living document that is the U.S. Constitution.

Series Foreword by Randall M. Miller: Preface: Chronology of Events
Historical Narrative
The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798
The Abolitionist Movement
The Civil War
The Comstock Law
World War I and Its Aftermath
The Cold War and the "Red Menace"
The Civil Rights Movement
The Vietnam War
The Nazi March on Skokie
Political Correctness and Free Speech on Campus
The Internet
Bibliography
Index.