Eugene V. Debs and His Campaign

Eugene V. Debs, a Socialist Party leader, ran for U.S. president five times, including once from prison in 1920. He was jailed for a 1918 speech criticizing U.S. involvement in WWI, which violated the recently amended Espionage Act. Despite his imprisonment, Debs garnered nearly a million votes, the most for any Socialist candidate. He was released early in 1921 by President Warren G. Harding, the same year Congress repealed the amendment limiting anti-war speech.

Who was Eugene V. Debs and what was significant about his 1920 presidential campaign?

• He was an independent candidate who supported the war.

• He was a Socialist candidate who ran from prison.

• He was a Democratic candidate who opposed World War I.

• He was a Republican candidate who won the 1920 election.

What led to Eugene V. Debs' imprisonment during his presidential campaign?

• He was involved in a financial scandal.

• He attempted to flee the country.

• He criticized U.S. involvement in World War I.

• He was caught spying for another nation.

What was the Espionage Act amendment's impact on Eugene V. Debs?

• It led to his release from prison.

• It provided him with additional campaign funds.

• It restricted his ability to speak against the war.

• It allowed him to campaign freely.

How did the Socialist Party respond to Debs' imprisonment?

• They merged with another party.

• They chose a different candidate.

• They withdrew from the election.

• They nominated him as their candidate.

What was notable about Debs' performance in the 1920 election?

• He won the presidency.

• He did not receive any votes.

• He received the most votes for a Socialist candidate.

• He lost by a significant margin.

What action did Warren G. Harding take regarding Eugene V. Debs?

• He ignored Debs' case entirely.

• He released Debs from prison.

• He appointed Debs to a government position.

• He extended Debs' prison sentence.