Does the government have the right or power to suppress dissent in wartime? why or why not. Do you think the U. S. would have risked losing ww1 had it not passed the Espionage and Sedition Acts and taken other steps to suppress dissent.

Yes and No

Explanation:

The United States should have the right to suppress any dissent that puts US operations at risk. But shouldn't just suppress an opinion

There is neither of peaceful dissent. No, but come to the aid of enemies (by the way of espionage) or violently protest with something like assassination, terrorism, rioting which that is something the government should for sure allow to put down. 

Anyway, both free speech and freedom of assembly are important rights with any of Democracy. No matter how people don't mention how utter, the opinion can't be subdued if it's suggest in such a way of peaceful manner.