Executive Order 9066

Definition

Executive Order 9066 was a presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This order allowed the military to designate certain areas as exclusion zones, leading to the forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The decision for Executive Order 9066 was influenced by wartime hysteria and unfounded fears of espionage and sabotage following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
2. Most of the individuals affected by this order were from the West Coast, where they were forced to leave their homes, businesses, and possessions behind.
3. The internment camps were often located in remote areas, with harsh living conditions, including inadequate shelter, food shortages, and a lack of privacy.
4. Despite being U.S. citizens, many Japanese Americans faced discrimination and stigmatization during and after their internment experience.
5. In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the internment in Korematsu v. United States, although this decision has since been widely criticized.

Review Questions

• What were some of the main reasons that led to the issuance of Executive Order 9066?
  • Executive Order 9066 was primarily influenced by wartime fears following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many officials believed that individuals of Japanese descent posed a security threat due to their potential loyalty to Japan. This paranoia was fueled by racism and long-standing anti-Asian sentiments in the United States, which led to widespread support for the internment policy among government officials and the public.
• Discuss how Executive Order 9066 impacted the lives of Japanese Americans during World War II.
  • Executive Order 9066 dramatically altered the lives of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps. Families lost their businesses and property as they were given little time to prepare for their relocation. Life in the camps was difficult, marked by overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and a loss of personal freedom. Many Japanese Americans faced stigma and discrimination even after their release.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Executive Order 9066 on Japanese American communities and U.S. society as a whole.
  • The long-term effects of Executive Order 9066 include a lasting impact on Japanese American identity and community cohesion. The internment experience has led to ongoing discussions about civil liberties and racial discrimination in America. In response to this injustice, organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League have worked tirelessly for recognition and reparations, resulting in significant legislation such as the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This historical event also serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civil rights during times of national crisis.

Related terms

Internment Camps: Facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and held during World War II, often under harsh conditions and without due process.

Japanese American Citizens League (JACL): A civil rights organization formed by Japanese Americans to promote the rights and interests of the Japanese American community, especially during and after the internment period.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: Legislation that formally acknowledged the injustices of the internment of Japanese Americans, offering reparations and an apology from the U.S. government.