I think the answer is colonization. Many European countries like Great Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal had started exploring the New World. These European Nations wanted to expand their territory and to spread religion and civilized barbarians in their colony.
In the case Schenck v. the United States the US Supreme Court ruled that it is acceptable for the government restricts information released by the press when the information is posted as a clear and present danger and may threaten national security for example.
