Japanese Internment during WW II

Recent questions

• What is Executive Order 9066?

  Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, granting the Secretary of War and military commanders the authority to designate military zones and remove individuals without hearings or due process. This order marked a significant expansion of presidential power during wartime, allowing for the internment of individuals deemed a threat to national security. The order did not specify any particular race or ethnic group, but it ultimately led to the targeting of Japanese Americans, reflecting the heightened fears and prejudices of the time.

• Why were Japanese Americans evacuated?

  Japanese Americans were evacuated primarily due to the fear and suspicion that arose during World War II, particularly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. government, under Executive Order 9066, deemed it necessary to remove individuals from designated military zones, which disproportionately affected Japanese Americans. Despite the fact that two-thirds of those evacuated were American citizens, they were subjected to derogatory treatment and forced relocation. The evacuation was framed as a security measure, but it resulted in significant loss of property and disruption of lives, as evacuees were only allowed to take what they could carry.

• What were the living conditions in internment camps?

  The living conditions in internment camps, often referred to as relocation centers, were harsh and inadequate. Many of these camps were established in isolated areas, lacking basic infrastructure and amenities. Evacuees were often housed in makeshift accommodations, such as barracks, and had to build their own living spaces. The camps were typically located in places like fairgrounds or horse racing tracks, where conditions were poor. Detainees faced overcrowding, limited privacy, and insufficient access to basic necessities, which contributed to a challenging and uncomfortable living environment.

• What was the outcome of Korematsu's case?

  Fred Korematsu's case, which arose after he defied evacuation orders and was arrested, ultimately reached the Supreme Court. In a 6-3 decision on December 18, 1944, the Court ruled that the internment of Japanese Americans was constitutional, citing wartime necessity as justification. However, the ruling was met with dissenting opinions that highlighted the racial discrimination inherent in the internment process. Korematsu's case has since become a significant example in discussions about civil liberties and the balance between national security and individual rights, raising questions about the legality and morality of such actions during times of crisis.

• What did the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 accomplish?

  The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was a significant legislative measure that acknowledged the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II due to their internment. Sponsored by Congressman Norman Mineta and signed by President Ronald Reagan, the Act provided a formal apology from the U.S. government for the wrongful internment and offered reparations of $220,000 to each surviving internee. This act represented a crucial step in recognizing the impact of wartime policies on civil liberties and aimed to provide some measure of justice and closure for those affected by the internment experience.