Why were the Japanese Americans interned in 1942?

Asked 23-Oct-2018
Updated 04-Sep-2023
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During World War II, Japanese Americans were interned in 1942 primarily due to a combination of wartime hysteria, racial prejudice, and security concerns following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in December 1941. The internment of Japanese Americans is widely regarded as a dark chapter in American history, driven by fear and discrimination. Several key factors contributed to this decision:

1. Fear of Espionage and Sabotage: After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a heightened fear that Japanese Americans living on the West Coast might engage in espionage or sabotage activities on behalf of Japan. This fear was fueled by racial stereotypes and xenophobia.

2. Political Pressure: There was political pressure from various groups and individuals advocating for the internment of Japanese Americans. These voices included politicians, military officials, and organizations like the American Legion, which lobbied for the removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast.

3. Racial Prejudice: Deep-seated racial prejudice against Japanese Americans played a significant role in their internment. Many Americans held discriminatory views and saw Japanese Americans as inherently disloyal due to their ethnicity.

4. Military Authority: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in February 1942, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans. This order was based on the belief that military authorities needed to secure the West Coast against potential threats.

5. Absence of Due Process: Japanese Americans were interned without any evidence of wrongdoing or due process. Families were given little time to prepare, and their property and businesses were often confiscated or sold at significant losses.

6. Lack of Public Opposition: There was a lack of significant public opposition to the internment at the time. Some Americans supported it out of fear, while others were indifferent or unaware of the extent of the injustice.

7. Failure of Leadership: Many political and military leaders failed to challenge the internment policy, reflecting a lack of moral courage to resist the prevailing sentiment.

It's important to note that the internment of Japanese Americans was later recognized as a grave injustice. In 1988, the U.S. government formally apologized and acknowledged the wrongful internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Reparations were also provided to survivors and their families as a symbolic gesture of redress for the harm and losses they had suffered. The internment remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the erosion of civil liberties during times of crisis.