1. Section 4 Internment of Japanese Americans
Chapter 17
Section 4
Internment of Japanese Americans

2. The Beginning
When WWII starts 120,000 Japanese Americans live in the U.S.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, in early 1942 the War Department orders all Japanese to be evacuated from Hawaii. Only 1% were forced into internment camps. Why??
However, on the West Coast …….

3. California
Japanese make up only 1% of California. The population is large enough to stimulate prejudice among Whites but not large enough to resist internment.

4. FDR
February 19, 1942 FDR signs order requiring the removal of people of Japanese ancestry. This was necessary for national security reasons.
110,000 Japanese Americans were sent to ten “relocation centers”

6. Why?Why?Why? 2/3 were Nisei (born in U.S., parents emigrated)
No charges ever filed, no evidence ever found

7. Japanese Americans fight back
1944 Korematsu v. United States
Japanese American Citizens League- pushes for compensation for lost property
President Reagan signs a bill granting $20,000 to everyone sent to an internment camp
1990 President Bush recognizes “that serious injuries were done to Japanese Americans during WWII.”