Module 4: Japanese Internment

Japanese Internment

Japanese internment during World War II was a significant violation of civil rights, affecting around 120,000 Japanese Americans, primarily U.S. citizens. This policy was implemented through Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942. The order allowed military officials to designate exclusion zones, resulting in the forced relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps across the country. Fueled by wartime fears and racial prejudice, the decision reflected a broader climate of distrust toward those of Japanese descent following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Journalist George S. Schuyler emerged as a vocal critic of the internment policy, highlighting its unjust nature. He argued that the government’s actions contradicted American democratic principles, emphasizing the loyalty of Japanese Americans and denouncing the internment as a discriminatory measure. Schuyler's writings contributed to a growing discourse that challenged the prevailing narratives justifying the mass incarceration, advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected.

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) played a role in assessing the loyalty of Japanese Americans during this period. While the ONI conducted investigations, it found little evidence to support claims of disloyalty among the Japanese American community. This disconnect between military assessments and the government's subsequent actions underscored the irrationality of the internment. Ultimately, the internment of Japanese Americans remains a powerful reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the necessity of safeguarding civil liberties, even in times of national crisis.