Fred Korematsu

Definition

Fred Korematsu was an American civil rights activist who defied the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. He became a symbol of resistance against racial injustice and fought against Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans in concentration camps.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fred Korematsu was born on January 30, 1919, in Oakland, California, to Japanese immigrant parents.
2. Korematsu refused to comply with the internment order and was arrested in 1942, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.
3. In 1944, the Supreme Court upheld the internment in Korematsu v. United States, citing wartime security concerns, a decision that has been widely criticized over time.
4. Decades later, in 1983, a federal court overturned Korematsu's conviction, stating that the government had engaged in misconduct during the case.
5. Fred Korematsu's legacy continues to inspire activism for civil rights and social justice, as he is remembered as a key figure in challenging racial discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did Fred Korematsu's actions challenge the legality of Executive Order 9066?
  • Fred Korematsu's defiance of Executive Order 9066 exemplified resistance to unjust government policies. By refusing to leave his home and being arrested for it, he brought national attention to the violation of civil rights faced by Japanese Americans. His legal battle highlighted the tensions between national security and individual liberties, ultimately raising questions about the legality and morality of the internment.
• In what ways did the Supreme Court's ruling in Korematsu v. United States reflect societal attitudes towards race and national security at the time?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in Korematsu v. United States reflected a prevailing belief that national security outweighed individual rights during wartime. The Court prioritized perceived threats over evidence of racial discrimination and justified the internment based on wartime fears rather than factual evidence. This decision demonstrated how racial biases influenced legal interpretations and policy decisions in a time of crisis.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Fred Korematsu's case on American civil rights movements and governmental accountability.
  • Fred Korematsu's case had significant long-term implications for American civil rights movements by highlighting the need for vigilance against racial discrimination and unjust government actions. His eventual exoneration and recognition as a symbol of resistance underscored the importance of accountability within government institutions. The legacy of his struggle has inspired ongoing efforts to safeguard civil liberties for all marginalized groups and has prompted critical reflections on how history can repeat itself if lessons are not learned.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066: A presidential order issued in 1942 that authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans from the West Coast during World War II.

Japanese American Internment: The forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans, primarily from the West Coast, in internment camps during World War II.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A U.S. law that formally acknowledged the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II and provided reparations to surviving individuals.