When the U.S. Censored a Movie About the American Revolution and Imprisoned Its Producer |
Civil Liberties
When the U.S. Censored a Movie About the American Revolution and Imprisoned Its Producer
Remembering the infuriating case of United States v. “The Spirit of ’76.”
Damon Root | 4.16.2026 7:00 AM
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(Credit: Archibald Willard/Wikimedia Commons)
What if I told you that the U.S. government once imprisoned a filmmaker for making a movie about the American Revolution because it depicted British troops in an unflattering light?
In today's edition of the Injustice System newsletter, let's talk about censorship, freedom of speech, and the infuriating—if aptly named—1917 case of United States v. "The Spirit of '76."
You’re reading Injustice System from Damon Root and Reason. Get more of Damon’s commentary on constitutional law and American history.
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When President Woodrow Wilson led the U.S. to war against Germany in 1917, he also vowed to crush all enemies that arose closer to home. "There are citizens of the United States, I blush to admit," Wilson declared, "who have........