88 years ago the US entered an unpopular war: a look back at a time of war, spies and suspicision of immigrants

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Eighty eight years ago this country entered World War 1, a conflict far more unpopular than the current war in Iraq. Then as now officials worried how the country could protect itself at home and how many civil liberties should be restricted in the interest of national security. The reaction by Minnesota officials was extreme. In l917, they created a commission on public safety. The commission suspended civil rights, set up an armed militia and created a network of spies. Minnesota business leaders encouraged and supported the move because of their own agenda. They worried about union organizers and striking workers affecting their businesses, and they were counting on the state to keep workers in line. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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