Describe the treatment of US citizens of japanese descent during wwII.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese-American_internment
http://www.sfmuseum.org/war/issei.html
they were forced out of their homes, put into camps, and accused of being disloyal to the american government
During World War II, the treatment of US citizens of Japanese descent was deeply impacted by the events of the time. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, the US government enacted various measures that resulted in the internment of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, most of whom were American citizens.
To understand the treatment during this period, you can follow these steps:
1. Research Executive Order 9066: On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast of the United States. This order formed the foundation of the government's actions and set the stage for the treatment of this group.
2. Explore internment camps: After Executive Order 9066, Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps away from the West Coast. These camps were hastily set up and typically located in remote, desolate areas. Some of the most well-known camps were Manzanar, Tule Lake, and Heart Mountain. Researching these camps can provide insight into the living conditions and treatment of those interned.
3. Understand the conditions: Life in the internment camps was difficult. Japanese Americans were uprooted from their homes and forced to leave behind their possessions. They faced overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and arduous living conditions. Many were also subjected to discrimination and prejudice from non-Japanese Americans.
4. Learn about legal challenges: Several Japanese Americans challenged the internment through legal means. Notably, Fred Korematsu's case, Korematsu v. United States, reached the Supreme Court, which upheld the constitutionality of the internment in a controversial decision. Exploring these legal challenges can provide additional context and perspectives.
5. Study the aftermath: After the war ended in 1945, Japanese Americans were gradually released from internment camps and allowed to return to their former lives. However, the experience left a lasting impact on individuals and the broader Japanese American community. The internment was widely recognized as a grave injustice, and efforts have been made since then to provide reparation and acknowledge the wrongdoings.
By following these steps, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the treatment of US citizens of Japanese descent during World War II.