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 driven by wartime hysteria and racial prejudice following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to significant violations of civil rights for those affected. The internment experience deeply influenced various ethnic rights movements and heightened awareness around racial injustice in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Over two-thirds of those interned were American citizens, demonstrating how deeply rooted racial prejudice affected civil liberties.
2. Internment camps were often located in remote areas, surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards, creating an environment of fear and isolation.
3. Despite being imprisoned, many Nisei served in the U.S. military during World War II, fighting valiantly in units such as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
4. The internment was challenged legally, but the Supreme Court upheld it during wartime, reflecting the tensions between national security and civil rights.
5. Public opinion shifted post-war, leading to a greater recognition of injustices faced by Japanese Americans, which contributed to the emergence of civil rights movements.

Review Questions

• How did Japanese internment during World War II illustrate the impact of racial prejudice on civil liberties in America?
  • Japanese internment highlighted how racial prejudice can lead to severe violations of civil liberties, particularly during times of national crisis. The U.S. government's decision to forcibly relocate and incarcerate Japanese Americans stemmed from unfounded fears about their loyalty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. This action disproportionately affected a specific ethnic group, revealing systemic racism ingrained in American society and prompting discussions about civil rights that resonated throughout later movements.
• What role did Executive Order 9066 play in the context of Japanese internment and its long-term consequences for civil rights advocacy?
  • Executive Order 9066 was a pivotal moment that facilitated the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This order authorized military officials to designate certain areas as exclusion zones, leading to mass evacuations without due process. The long-term consequences included not only a lasting trauma for the affected families but also sparked future advocacy for civil rights as it underscored the dangers of unchecked governmental power and racial discrimination.
• Evaluate the significance of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 in relation to the historical context of Japanese internment and its influence on contemporary ethnic rights movements.
  • The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was significant because it represented a formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the U.S. government regarding Japanese internment. By issuing an apology and providing reparations, it helped to heal some wounds while also serving as a reminder of past injustices. This legislative act influenced contemporary ethnic rights movements by reinforcing the idea that governments must be held accountable for racial discrimination and setting a precedent for future redress initiatives aimed at addressing historical grievances.

Related terms

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

Nisei: The second-generation Japanese Americans born in the United States, many of whom were among those interned during World War II.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: The U.S. legislation that formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans and provided reparations to surviving internees.