During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln took extraordinary measures to preserve the Union. Among these actions was the suppression of newspapers that were deemed to be spreading Confederate propaganda or undermining the war effort. By some estimates, nearly 200 newspapers were shut down, had their presses seized, or faced other forms of government suppression. This controversial decision raises questions about the balance between free speech and national security in times of crisis.

The Civil War was not just a battle of armies; it was also a war of information. The Union and the Confederacy relied heavily on newspapers to influence public opinion, rally support, and shape the political landscape. Many newspapers in the North opposed Lincoln’s policies, criticized the draft, and even called for peace negotiations with the South. Some of these publications were accused of actively aiding the Confederate cause by spreading misinformation or discouraging enlistment.

Lincoln’s administration argued that in wartime, certain civil liberties—including the First Amendment’s protections of free speech and press—could be curtailed if they posed a direct threat to national security. The government relied on wartime emergency powers and even suspended habeas corpus, allowing the arrest of individuals without trial

Some notable cases of newspaper suppression include:

• The New York World and The Journal of Commerce were shut down in 1864 for publishing a forged presidential proclamation that falsely announced a new draft, potentially causing public panic. On May 18, 1864 at 3:30 a.m., a messenger posing as a representative of the Associated Press delivers a forged presidential proclamation to several New York City newspapers. The document falsely announces a call for 400,000 additional troops, either through voluntary enlistment or a new draft, creating the impression that the Union Army is in dire straits. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton orders an Army general to shut down both newspapers and arrest their editors. President Lincoln approves the action, escalating tensions between the administration and the press.
• The Chicago Times, a vocal critic of Lincoln, was ordered to shut down in 1863 by General Ambrose Burnside but was later allowed to resume publication after backlash.
• Several pro-Confederate papers in border states, such as Missouri and Kentucky, were completely dismantled to prevent the spread of secessionist sentiment.

Lincoln’s actions sparked fierce debate. Supporters argued that extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures, emphasizing that preserving the Union was the highest priority. They believed that newspapers spreading Confederate propaganda or discouraging military enlistment were a direct threat to the war effort.

In defending his decisions, he once said, “Must I shoot a simple soldier boy who deserts, while I must not touch a hair of a wily agitator who induces him to desert?” This statement underscores the difficult choices leaders must make when faced with existential threats.