A crisis of freedom occurred during the late 1790s that reinforced the idea that freedom of discussion was an important attribute of being American. Please read The Half-War with France from Geoffrey Stones Perilous Times. What was the XYZ Affair? Why does Stone call it a half war with France? What was the central mission of the Federalists? Republicans? What were Alien and Sedition Acts? Why does Stone call the Alien Friends Act a monster? Why does Stone think it is important to understand the Federalist view of freedom of speech? What was the Reign of Witches?
In your opinion, are those who dissent in a time of war disloyal? Do the demands of war justify the suppression of dissent?