The Sedition Act of 1918 forbade abusive language against the United States. It not only forbade criticism of the country's government, but it also penalized those who spoke against the flag or service uniforms issued by the government. It was issued by President Woodrow Wilson to prevent disloyalty or dissent during a time of war, and when he signed the Act, the United States was in the final months of World War I. While the Act was upheld once by the Supreme Court, it was repealed in December of 1920.