Relocation

Definition

Relocation refers to the forced movement of individuals or groups from one place to another, often due to governmental policies or social pressures. In the context of World War II, this term is prominently associated with the internment of Japanese Americans following Executive Order 9066, which authorized the military to designate certain areas as military zones and remove individuals deemed a threat, primarily targeting Japanese Americans on the West Coast.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans were relocated during World War II, with around two-thirds being U.S. citizens.
2. Relocation involved not just physical movement, but also significant loss of property and livelihood for many Japanese Americans, as they had to leave homes, businesses, and personal belongings behind.
3. The decision to relocate Japanese Americans was largely fueled by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
4. Relocation was implemented without any evidence of disloyalty or wrongdoing among the Japanese American population, highlighting the violation of civil rights.
5. The legacy of relocation continues to impact discussions about civil rights and governmental power in times of national security crises.

Review Questions

• How did Executive Order 9066 contribute to the concept of relocation during World War II?
  • Executive Order 9066 was pivotal in legitimizing the relocation of Japanese Americans by allowing military officials to designate areas for removal. This order resulted in the internment of around 120,000 individuals, primarily from the West Coast. The government's justification for this action was rooted in fears of espionage and sabotage after Pearl Harbor, but it reflected racial bias rather than actual threats.
• Discuss the immediate social and economic impacts of relocation on Japanese American communities during World War II.
  • The immediate social impacts included disruption of family life and community structures as families were forcibly removed from their homes and separated from their support networks. Economically, many Japanese Americans lost their businesses and properties without compensation, leading to long-term financial instability. The collective trauma experienced during this period had lasting effects on these communities, contributing to mistrust towards government authorities.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of relocation on civil rights movements in the United States following World War II.
  • The long-term implications of relocation significantly influenced civil rights movements by highlighting systemic racism and government overreach. The unjust treatment of Japanese Americans served as a rallying point for activists advocating for equality and justice. This period prompted legal challenges against discriminatory practices and ultimately contributed to greater awareness and reforms regarding civil liberties, influencing subsequent movements advocating for various marginalized groups in America.

Related terms

Internment Camps: These were facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly confined during World War II, often in remote locations, as part of the government's relocation policy.

Executive Order 9066: A presidential directive signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942 that led to the internment of Japanese Americans and other groups considered a security risk.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A U.S. law that acknowledged and apologized for the injustices done to Japanese Americans during World War II, providing reparations to survivors of internment.