How did the attack on Pearl Harbor affect how Japanese and Japanese American people were treated in the United States?
A. They were deported from the United States.
B. They were closely watched and made to show paperwork wherever they went.
C. Many white Americans did not trust them and questioned their loyalty.
D. They were supported by a movement to distinguish Japanese Americans from Japan.
C. Many white Americans did not trust them and questioned their loyalty.
C. Many white Americans did not trust them and questioned their loyalty.
The correct answer is C. Many white Americans did not trust them and questioned their loyalty.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which brought the United States into World War II, there was a significant backlash against Japanese and Japanese American people living in the United States. This event led to increased prejudice, discrimination, and suspicion towards these communities.
To understand why Japanese and Japanese American people were treated this way, it is important to consider the historical context. The attack on Pearl Harbor took place during a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Japan. As a result, there was a widespread fear and distrust of anyone of Japanese descent. This fear, combined with racial prejudice, led to the mistreatment of Japanese and Japanese American communities.
In response to this fear and suspicion, the United States government implemented a series of policies targeting Japanese and Japanese Americans. One of the most significant actions taken was the forced internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, the majority of whom were U.S. citizens. These individuals were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps, where they faced harsh living conditions and limited freedoms.
Additionally, Japanese and Japanese American individuals outside of internment camps faced discrimination in their daily lives. Many experienced hostility, verbal abuse, and physical attacks. They were subjected to constant surveillance and scrutiny, having to carry identification papers at all times and facing frequent interrogations by authorities.
While there were some individuals and organizations that supported Japanese and Japanese American communities during this time, the prevailing sentiment among many white Americans was one of mistrust and questioning of their loyalty. This prejudice and discrimination persisted until after World War II ended, when it gradually began to subside.
Understanding the treatment of Japanese and Japanese American people in the United States following the attack on Pearl Harbor involves acknowledging the complex history and context of racial prejudice and war-time paranoia that shaped these events.