Answer:
To silence critics of the war effort
Explanation:
The Espionage Act of 1917 prohibited individuals from interferring with American military operations, including recruitment. It also prohibited an American Citizens from supporting enemy countries during World War I.
Several people, including German immigrants, labor leaders, socialists, and communists, were targeted and affected by the act.
The Sedition Act of 1918 expanded the powers of the Espionage Act, making it illegal to express a negative opinion about the American war effort.
This Act was repealed in 1920, after the war ended, while the Espionage Act is still in place.
