General John L. DeWitt

Definition

General John L. DeWitt was a prominent U.S. Army officer during World War II, best known for his role in implementing Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation of Japanese Americans from the West Coast. He was a strong proponent of internment, arguing that it was necessary for national security, and he oversaw the establishment of the War Relocation Authority, which managed the internment camps where Japanese Americans were held.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DeWitt's views on Japanese Americans were influenced by racial prejudices and fears during World War II, leading him to advocate for their mass removal from the West Coast.
2. He famously stated that 'a Jap is a Jap,' reflecting his belief that all individuals of Japanese descent posed a security threat regardless of their citizenship or loyalty.
3. The implementation of Executive Order 9066 led to the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens.
4. DeWitt's justification for internment included concerns about espionage and sabotage, although there was no substantial evidence supporting these claims.
5. After the war, DeWitt's actions were widely criticized as unjust and discriminatory, contributing to the ongoing conversation about civil rights and governmental authority.

Review Questions

• How did General John L. DeWitt's beliefs influence the implementation of Executive Order 9066?
  • General John L. DeWitt's strong belief in national security and racial prejudices significantly influenced the implementation of Executive Order 9066. He argued that all Japanese Americans were a threat due to their ancestry, which led him to advocate for their mass relocation. His views ultimately shaped government policy, resulting in the internment of over 120,000 individuals without due process.
• Evaluate the impact of DeWitt's actions on the Japanese American community during World War II.
  • DeWitt's actions had a profound and devastating impact on the Japanese American community. The forced relocation led to loss of homes, businesses, and community ties as families were sent to internment camps. This experience caused significant psychological trauma and long-lasting damage to their social fabric, along with economic hardships that many families still struggle with today.
• Analyze how General John L. DeWitt's legacy reflects broader themes of civil liberties and governmental authority during times of crisis.
  • General John L. DeWitt's legacy highlights critical tensions between civil liberties and governmental authority during times of crisis, particularly during World War II. His endorsement of Executive Order 9066 exemplifies how fear can lead to policies that undermine fundamental rights based on race or ethnicity. This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civil rights in the face of perceived threats, prompting ongoing discussions about justice and equality in American society.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066:

A presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, based on claims of military necessity.

Internment Camps: Facilities established to detain Japanese Americans during World War II, where they were forcibly relocated from their homes and communities.

War Relocation Authority:

A government agency created to manage the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, under the supervision of General DeWitt.