Japanese internment

Definition

Japanese internment refers to the forced relocation and confinement of around 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens, in camps during World War II. This policy was driven by wartime fears and racial prejudice following the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in significant violations of civil rights and liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. About two-thirds of those interned were American citizens, showing a profound violation of rights based on race.
2. Internment camps were spread across the United States, including locations in California, Utah, and Arkansas, often under harsh conditions.
3. Despite their unjust treatment, many Japanese Americans served bravely in the military during World War II, notably in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
4. The internment experience led to long-lasting impacts on Japanese American communities, including trauma and loss of property and businesses.
5. In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of internment during the Korematsu v. United States case, although this ruling has since been widely criticized.

Review Questions

• How did the government justify the policy of Japanese internment during World War II?
  • The U.S. government justified Japanese internment by citing national security concerns following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Officials argued that Japanese Americans posed a potential threat due to their ethnic background and ties to Japan. This justification was rooted in wartime fears and racial prejudice, leading to decisions that disregarded civil liberties and rights for an entire population without substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
• What were some of the social and economic impacts of Japanese internment on individuals and families affected by this policy?
  • Japanese internment had devastating social and economic impacts on individuals and families. Many lost their homes, businesses, and savings as they were forcibly relocated to remote camps. The experience caused significant psychological trauma due to separation from communities and loved ones. Additionally, families faced stigmatization and discrimination even after their release, which affected their reintegration into society.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Japanese internment for American civil rights movements in the post-war era.
  • The long-term consequences of Japanese internment played a crucial role in shaping American civil rights movements in the post-war era. The injustices faced by Japanese Americans highlighted the need for greater awareness and protection of civil liberties for all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity. This led to increased advocacy against racial discrimination and laid groundwork for future civil rights legislation. The internment experience also contributed to a broader discussion about government accountability and individual rights during times of national crisis.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066:

The presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942 that authorized the military to designate certain areas as exclusion zones for Japanese Americans.

Internment Camps: The facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and confined during World War II, often located in remote areas and lacking basic amenities.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A U.S. law that formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and provided reparations to surviving internees.