1. Japanese Internment Camps: "In times of war, the laws are silent."
Executive Order 9066
Japanese Internment Camps:
"In times of war, the laws are silent."

2. February 19, 1942…
2 months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR signed EO 9066
It authorized the War Department to designate “military areas” that excluded people considered to be a danger to the United States.
The target: 110,000 Japanese Americans living along the West Coast

3. Relocation…
About 100,000 Japanese Americans were sent to “War Relocation Centers” in remote portions of the nation
There they lived without belongings, under armed guard, behind barbed wire fences for three years.
Germans and Italians who were not citizens were detained as well, but NOT German or Italian Americans.
The Americans of Japanese ancestry were the only group singled out.

7. Wartime Civilian Control Agency (WCCA) - military dept. resp
Wartime Civilian Control Agency (WCCA) - military dept. resp. for coordinating evacuation to relocation centers. War Relocation Authority (WRA) - resp. for actual relocation.

15. Pearl Harbor Bombing… is national security at risk?
Executive Order 9066 authorized officials to designate military areas
Said had authority to exclude “any and all” persons from designated areas
Evacuation of Japanese-Americans from WA, OR, CA began in March 1942
Evacuation led to decision for internment (prison camps)

16. Suspicion surrounding reason for evacuation and internment
History of discrimination
No attempt to distinguish between loyal and disloyal or between citizens and aliens - 2/3 were American born
No action taken against German, Italian-Americans
Not a SINGLE piece of evidence produced indicating “fifth column” or “enemy” of the U.S.

17. The Experience of Internment
Forced to sell business properties, homes, furniture
Transported to 1 of 10 desert camps (remote)
Fenced in - tarpapered wooden barracks
Minimal school facilities, medical care
1943: Releases given to those able to prove loyalty (17,000) oath, job waiting, promise to serve U.S. army: Specifically the 442nd Regimental Combat Team

18. Challenging the Order 1944: Journals begin to attack policy; but…
Korematsu vs. United States (6-3 vote) upheld Constitutionality of 9066
1945: camps closed

19. Silent Debate – Step ONE
Select one of the topics below and free write on your response to the resolution (either for or against) for 3 minutes.
Executive Order 9066 was a justified wartime measure.
During war, preserving national security is more important than upholding individual rights.
A grave injustice was done to both citizens and permanent resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II.
The American internment camps were no different than German concentration camps.

20. Silent Debate – Step TWO, THREE & FOUR
TWO: Exchange paper with partner and read silently.
THREE: Write 2 questions on your partner’s paper challenging his/her point of view (It doesn‘t matter if you personally agree with him/her.)
FOUR: Exchange papers. Read questions and write responses, using clear facts and reasons.

21. Making Amends? 1968: Full restitution for property lost
1983: writ of coram nobis (voids Korematsu conviction)
1988: $20,000 compensation (Reagan)
1998: Medal of Freedom for Korematsu (Clinton)