Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians

Definition

The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians was a U.S. government body established in 1980 to investigate the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and to recommend appropriate reparations for the injustices suffered. This commission played a critical role in acknowledging the wrongful actions taken against Japanese Americans, emphasizing the violation of civil liberties and the consequences of wartime hysteria that led to their forced relocation and internment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Commission was established as part of a broader movement in the late 20th century to address historical injustices faced by marginalized groups in America.
2. In 1983, the Commission's report concluded that the internment was based on 'racial prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership' rather than any legitimate military necessity.
3. The findings of the Commission ultimately influenced the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted financial compensation to survivors of internment.
4. The work of the Commission brought attention to issues of civil rights and set a precedent for acknowledging and addressing past governmental wrongs.
5. The legacy of the Commission continues to inform discussions about civil liberties, especially in times of national crisis.

Review Questions

• How did the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians impact public perception of Japanese internment?
  • The findings of the Commission significantly shifted public perception by formally acknowledging that the internment of Japanese Americans was driven by racial prejudice rather than military necessity. This revelation challenged long-held justifications for internment and encouraged a broader understanding of civil rights violations. The Commission’s conclusions helped foster discussions about reparations and the importance of protecting civil liberties for all citizens, especially during times of national crisis.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Commission's recommendations regarding reparations for Japanese Americans.
  • The Commission's recommendations were ultimately effective in catalyzing significant legislative action, culminating in the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This act not only provided direct financial compensation to surviving internees but also served as an official government acknowledgment of wrongdoing. However, some critics argue that while the compensation was a step forward, it did not fully address the emotional and social impact experienced by those affected, highlighting a gap between monetary reparations and true reconciliation.
• Analyze how the establishment and findings of the Commission reflect broader themes in American history regarding civil rights and government accountability.
  • The establishment and findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment reflect ongoing struggles in American history related to civil rights and government accountability. By confronting past injustices, it illustrates a growing recognition that governments must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when they infringe on individual freedoms based on race or ethnicity. This event not only connects to historical patterns of discrimination but also sets a precedent for future efforts to rectify governmental wrongs, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in protecting civil liberties regardless of external circumstances.

Related terms

Japanese Internment: The forced relocation and internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, primarily on the West Coast, due to wartime fears and prejudice.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A U.S. law that provided reparations to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, acknowledging the injustices they faced as a result of wartime policies.

Executive Order 9066: An order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 that authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans, leading to widespread civil rights violations.