Japanese Internment

Definition

Japanese internment refers to the forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, primarily on the West Coast of the United States. This action was taken by the U.S. government, fueled by fears of espionage and sabotage after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The internment camps, often located in remote areas, were a significant violation of civil liberties and are seen as a dark chapter in American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approximately two-thirds of those interned were American citizens by birth, highlighting the extent of racial prejudice at the time.
2. Internment camps were often poorly constructed and lacked basic amenities, leading to harsh living conditions for the detainees.
3. The U.S. government justified internment on national security grounds, although no evidence supported claims of espionage among Japanese Americans.
4. Public sentiment during WWII was largely against Japanese Americans, driven by fear and racism, which facilitated the government's internment policy.
5. In 1988, Congress acknowledged the injustices of internment and passed a law providing reparations to survivors, marking a significant moment in recognizing civil rights violations.

Review Questions

• How did Executive Order 9066 impact Japanese American communities during World War II?
  • Executive Order 9066 had a profound impact on Japanese American communities, leading to the forced relocation of around 120,000 individuals from their homes. Families were given little notice to pack their belongings and were taken to internment camps under the guise of national security. This order not only disrupted lives but also instilled fear and mistrust within these communities, as they were viewed as potential threats solely based on their ethnicity.
• Analyze how Korematsu v. United States influenced public perception of civil liberties during wartime.
  • Korematsu v. United States had a significant influence on public perception of civil liberties during wartime by setting a precedent that allowed the government to prioritize national security over individual rights. The Supreme Court's ruling effectively endorsed racial discrimination under the justification of military necessity. This decision was controversial and sparked ongoing debates about the balance between civil liberties and security, highlighting the risks associated with government overreach during times of crisis.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Japanese internment on American society and civil rights movements.
  • The long-term effects of Japanese internment on American society are profound, influencing civil rights movements and discussions about racial equality and justice. The internment experience raised awareness about the fragility of civil liberties during wartime and inspired subsequent generations to advocate for minority rights. Additionally, it set a precedent that led to more vigilant scrutiny of government actions affecting civil liberties, particularly in times of national crisis, contributing to a broader understanding of systemic racism in America.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066: The executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942 that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans.

Korematsu v. United States:

The landmark Supreme Court case in 1944 that upheld the government's decision to intern Japanese Americans, ruling that wartime necessity justified the action.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: The act signed into law that formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans and provided reparations to surviving internees.