U.S. Internment History
Executive Order 9066 February 19, 1942 The military was permitted to bypass the constitutional safeguards of American citizens in the name of National Defense.
Why Intern Japanese-Americans? Fears of participation in a West Coast invasion. Spies Disloyalty Hysteria
Japanese life before internment Hawaii, California, Alaska, Oregon, Washington. Buy Homes Own Farms/Businesses Go to School
What happens? Racial Prejudice
“I’m for catching every Japanese in America, Alaska, and Hawaii now and putting them in concentration camps….Damn them! Let’s get rid of them now!” --Congressman John Rankin, Congressional Record, Feb.19,1942
What happens? 110,000 persons (W. Coast) are removed to relocation camps. –Japanese in Hawaii “ignored” 2/3 were Nisei – American Born – Citizens
U.S. Relocation Camps
Life during the internment Tar paper shacks / no insulation No plumbing Isolated, Cramped living Barbed-wire fences Ok, if you follow the rules
Japanese-Americans “prove” loyalty 442 nd Regiment –“Purple Heart” Unit Most decorated unit in U.S. military history
Civil Liberties Act of 1988 Congress apologies Make resitituion Provide education to the public about the internment.