1942 War Relocation Authority

Definition

The 1942 War Relocation Authority (WRA) was a U.S. government agency responsible for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Established in response to fears of espionage and sabotage following the Pearl Harbor attack, the WRA oversaw the forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. The agency's actions significantly impacted the cultural practices and community structures of Japanese Americans, leading to both preservation and adaptation of their traditions in a challenging environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WRA was created on March 18, 1942, and operated until 1946, when it was officially dissolved.
2. About two-thirds of those interned by the WRA were American citizens, reflecting the widespread injustice of the internment policy.
3. The internment camps were located in remote areas across the U.S., often in desolate regions, which severely disrupted the lives of those affected.
4. Cultural practices among Japanese Americans were both preserved and adapted within the camps, as families sought to maintain their traditions while facing oppression.
5. After the war, many former internees became active in civil rights movements, advocating for justice and reparations related to their experiences.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the WRA reflect the broader societal attitudes towards Japanese Americans during World War II?
  • The establishment of the WRA mirrored widespread racial prejudice and fear towards Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbor. Many Americans perceived Japanese Americans as potential threats, leading to governmental policies rooted in discrimination rather than facts. This created an environment where fear justified the unjust internment of thousands, revealing deep-seated racism that influenced public opinion and policy at that time.
• In what ways did Japanese Americans adapt their cultural practices during internment under the WRA's policies?
  • Japanese Americans found ways to adapt their cultural practices while interned, creating makeshift community centers within camps for celebrations and festivals. Traditional activities like tea ceremonies, martial arts, and other cultural expressions were maintained, albeit under restricted conditions. This adaptation highlighted resilience in preserving identity despite oppressive circumstances and demonstrated how culture can evolve even in hardship.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the WRA's internment policy on Japanese American identity and civil rights movements post-World War II.
  • The long-term effects of the WRA's internment policy profoundly shaped Japanese American identity, creating a legacy of activism for civil rights. Many former internees emerged from their experiences with a heightened awareness of social justice issues, leading them to advocate for reparations and recognition of wrongful internment. This experience not only contributed to a stronger sense of community among Japanese Americans but also influenced broader civil rights movements in the U.S., as they became vocal advocates against racial discrimination.

Related terms

Internment Camps: Facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and held during World War II, often under harsh conditions.

Executive Order 9066:

The presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans.

Japanese American Citizens League (JACL):

An organization formed to advocate for the civil rights of Japanese Americans, especially during and after World War II.