This volume of Opinions Throughout History looks at the history and evolution of "free speech" and the freedom of expression and also of efforts to limit this right through censorship. While Americans are accustomed to viewing the United States as the exemplar of free speech and the free press, this has not always been the case. Until relatively recently in the nation's history, censorship in the media in the public discourse was quite common. Though the First Amendment guarantees are a traditional and cherished part of American culture, the idea of free speech has changed over time,...

This exciting new series offers a wide range of insights into long-standing issues that Americans are most concerned about, and those that have encouraged vigorous debate among politicians and citizens at large. Using carefully chosen original documents that cover a wide time span, Opinions Throughout History weaves a thoughtful and easy-to-understand analysis of how public opinion is formed and evolves, starting the discussion at an historical, seminal moment, and ending with where we stand today.

This exciting new series offers a wide range of insights into long-standing issues that Americans are most concerned about, and those that have encouraged vigorous debate among politicians and citizens at large. Using carefully chosen original documents that cover a wide time span, Opinions Throughout History weaves a thoughtful and easy-to-understand analysis of how public opinion is formed and evolves, starting the discussion at an historical, seminal moment, and ending with where we stand today.