Defence of the Realm Act 1914
The Defence of the Realm Act 1914 (DORA) was passed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 1914, four days after the country entered the First World War. It was added to as the war progressed. It gave the government wide-ranging powers during the war, such as the power to requisition buildings or land needed for the war effort, and to make regulations creating criminal offences.
Example of censorship under the Act of comments about Zeppelin raids in mail
John Maclean (Scottish socialist)
John Maclean was a Scottish schoolteacher and revolutionary socialist of the Red Clydeside era. He was notable for his outspoken opposition to World War I, which caused his arrest under the Defence of the Realm Act and loss of his teaching post, after which he became a full-time Marxist lecturer and organiser. In April 1918 he was arrested for sedition, and his 75-minute speech from the dock became a celebrated text for Scottish left-wingers. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude, but was released after the November armistice.
John Maclean in December of 1918 upon his release from prison
Maclean delivering his famous 'Speech from the Dock'.
John Maclean's casket being removed from his Pollokshaws home on Auldhouse Road.