Japanese Internment during WW II
Updated: February 24, 2025
Summary
During World War II, President FDR signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced removal of Japanese Americans to internment camps. This action resulted in property loss and financial hardship for many citizens of Japanese descent. The Supreme Court upheld the order in 1944, citing military necessity, but overturned Fred Korematsu's conviction in 1983 due to government misconduct. This event ultimately led to a formal apology and compensation for Japanese American citizens in 1988, highlighting the impact of racial discrimination during wartime.
FDR and Executive Order 9066
FDR signed Executive Order 9066 during his third term as president, giving unprecedented power to the military to remove individuals without due process.
Evacuation and Property Loss
Evacuation began in 1942, leading to American citizens of Japanese descent leaving behind their properties and facing financial losses.
Internment Camp Conditions
Evacuees were taken to temporary shelters with harsh conditions before being relocated to more permanent internment camps, mostly in isolated desert areas.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Ruling
Fred Korematsu challenged Executive Order 9066 in court, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in 1944 upholding the order. However, his conviction was vacated in 1983 with proof of government misconduct.
Justification and Dissent
The Supreme Court justified the order based on military necessity, but some justices dissented, highlighting the racial discrimination and lack of evidence for the order.
Reversal of Conviction and Apology
Fred Korematsu's conviction was overturned in 1983, leading to a formal apology and compensation for Japanese American citizens in 1988.
FAQ
Q: What was the significance of Executive Order 9066 signed by FDR?
A: Executive Order 9066 gave unprecedented power to the military to remove individuals, particularly American citizens of Japanese descent, without due process during World War II.
Q: What was the outcome of Fred Korematsu's challenge to Executive Order 9066?
A: Fred Korematsu's challenge to Executive Order 9066 led to a Supreme Court ruling in 1944 upholding the order, but his conviction was vacated in 1983 due to government misconduct.
Q: Why did the Supreme Court justify Executive Order 9066?
A: The Supreme Court justified Executive Order 9066 based on military necessity, despite dissenting opinions that highlighted racial discrimination and the lack of evidence for the order.
Q: When was Fred Korematsu's conviction overturned, and what followed?
A: Fred Korematsu's conviction was overturned in 1983, leading to a formal apology and compensation for Japanese American citizens in 1988.
Q: Where were Japanese American citizens relocated to after evacuation began in 1942?
A: After evacuation began in 1942, Japanese American citizens were initially taken to temporary shelters with harsh conditions before being relocated to more permanent internment camps, primarily located in isolated desert areas.
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