Executive Order 9066

Definition

Executive Order 9066 was a directive signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This order allowed military authorities to designate certain areas as exclusion zones and forcibly relocate individuals deemed a security risk, primarily targeting Japanese Americans on the West Coast. The order led to the establishment of internment camps where thousands of Japanese Americans faced significant hardships and discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans were interned in camps as a result of Executive Order 9066, with over two-thirds being American citizens.
2. The internment camps were often located in remote areas, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by military personnel, creating an environment of fear and isolation.
3. Conditions in these camps varied widely but generally included overcrowding, inadequate food and healthcare, and a lack of privacy.
4. Despite being incarcerated, many Nisei volunteered for military service, with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team becoming one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.
5. The U.S. government officially apologized for the internment with the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, recognizing it as a grave injustice motivated by racial prejudice.

Review Questions

• How did Executive Order 9066 reflect the racial attitudes and wartime fears present in American society during World War II?
  • Executive Order 9066 reflected deep-seated racial prejudices and fears stemming from the attack on Pearl Harbor and the perception of Japanese Americans as potential spies or traitors. These attitudes were fueled by wartime propaganda that portrayed Japanese people as enemies, leading to widespread support for internment among non-Japanese citizens. The order demonstrated how fear can override civil liberties, as government officials prioritized national security over the rights of individuals based on their ethnicity.
• Evaluate the impact of life in internment camps on the Japanese American community during and after World War II.
  • Life in internment camps had a profound impact on the Japanese American community, stripping them of their homes, businesses, and dignity. Internment caused lasting psychological trauma and disrupted social networks within communities. Even after the war ended, many internees faced discrimination and difficulty reintegrating into society. The experience fostered a strong sense of identity among Japanese Americans, leading to increased activism for civil rights and awareness about racial injustice.
• Assess the significance of Japanese American military service during World War II in relation to Executive Order 9066.
  • The service of Japanese American soldiers during World War II, especially those in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, highlighted the contradictions of Executive Order 9066. While their families were unjustly imprisoned, these soldiers demonstrated exceptional bravery and loyalty to the United States, earning numerous accolades for their heroism. This duality raised awareness about civil rights violations and ultimately contributed to changing perceptions about Japanese Americans post-war. Their service helped pave the way for reparations discussions and broader civil rights advancements for marginalized communities in America.

Related terms

Internment Camps: Facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and confined during World War II, often in harsh conditions and with limited resources.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988:

A U.S. law that provided reparations to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II and acknowledged the injustices they suffered.

Nisei:

The term used to refer to the second-generation Japanese Americans, many of whom served in the U.S. military despite the injustices faced by their families.