![](https://images.jacobinmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16062225/debs-prisoner-420x315.jpg)
Eugene Debs Was an American Hero
On June 16, 1918, Eugene Debs gave the anti-war speech that would soon send him to prison. His arrest sparked a nationwide movement to secure his release — and forced the government to finally recognize the free speech rights of wartime dissenters.