Could someone tell me about the Japanese internment camps during WWII. Why were Japanese allowed to serve in the US army when they were considered the enemy? Thanks for the help!

These sites tell about the internment camps.

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/internment1.html

http://www.historyonthenet.com/WW2/japan_internment_camps.htm

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I didn't find a definitive answer about why young Japanese men were allowed to serve in the U.S. army. But by that late in the war, our military was desperate for more fighting men. Probably they were also convinced that the internees were not enemies and could and would help defend the U.S.

Ms. Sue is correct. And for many of the young Japanese men in those internment camps, this was considered a way for them to prove their loyalty to the US.

http://www.sfmuseum.org/war/issei.html

There are several good accounts of the experiences of the Japanese-Americans in these camps, one of which is Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780618216208

Certainly! During World War II, the United States government implemented a policy that involved forcibly relocating Japanese-Americans into internment camps. Around 120,000 people of Japanese descent, the majority of whom were American citizens, were targeted in this process.

To understand why Japanese-Americans were allowed to serve in the US army despite being considered the enemy, we need to examine the historical context.

1. Japanese-Americans' Loyalty: While Japanese-Americans were initially viewed with suspicion due to their ethnic background, it was recognized that the vast majority of them were loyal to the United States. Many Japanese-Americans' families had been in the country for generations, and they saw themselves as American citizens. This belief in their loyalty played a significant role in allowing them to join the military.

2. The Creation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a segregated unit in the US Army composed almost entirely of Japanese-American soldiers. It was formed in response to the discriminatory treatment faced by Japanese-Americans during the war. The unit became one of the most decorated in US military history due to its bravery and sacrifices in combat.

3. Intelligence and Language Skills: Japanese-Americans with language skills and cultural knowledge were seen as valuable assets for the US Army. They could provide critical intelligence, serve as translators or interpreters, and help with interrogation of prisoners. Recognizing the importance of these skills, the Army selectively recruited Japanese-Americans.

It is important to note that not all Japanese-Americans were allowed to serve in the military. The internment camps created a challenging environment, making it difficult for some to enlist. Additionally, some Japanese-Americans were classified as "enemy aliens" and were not given the same opportunities for military service.

Understanding this historical context is crucial when examining why Japanese-Americans were allowed to serve in the US army during World War II, even when they were initially considered the enemy.