Jap Intern

A detailed Summary of Jap Intern

The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II is a shameful era in the history of the United States. They were banished to detention centers not for their protection, but due to prejudices. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, thousands of American citizens were sent away for the sole reason of their Japanese inheritance. Although some people protested this, it still occurred on the basis of wild speculation amongst high-ranking officials. The government called the Japanese-Americans "evacuees," but in reality they were prisoners in concentration camps. Over 110,000 Americans were forced to live in the horrible conditions at these camps. Even so, many remained loyal to the United States throughout this period. The United States did not maintain a perfect reputation during World War II is apparent when looking at the concentration camps in America.

First of all, the camps were not for the protection of the Japanese-Americans, rather because of prejudices. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, citing the relocation of Japanese-Americans to protect against espionage and sabotage (Brimner 42). However, many government officials had differen

Once they were shipped away, the Japanese realized the extent of the shabby conditions of the camps. They were located in extreme weather regions. Gesensway writes that "The ten relocation camps were located in deserts and swamps, the most desolate, hostile areas of the country" (44). Those in the desert mostly recall the hideous sand and dust storms that frequently arose. As one evacuee, Monica Sone said, "Sand filled our mouths and nostrils and stung our faces and hands like a thousand darting needles" (Brimner 50). Furthermore, during summertime temperatures often peaked at 110 F. At the other end of the spectrum, nighttime could reach 20 below zero (Fremon, 27). The Japanese-Americans got a great shock to their bodies when relocated.

After the release of all Japanese Americans in 1945 many American officials realized and admitted that they were wrong. Heads shook across the nation as society began to come out of its hysteria and realize what it had allowed to occur. Francis Biddle remained one of the most "conscience-stricken" figures. He said, "We should never have moved the Japanese from their home and their work. It was un-American, un-Constitutional, and un-Christian" (Weglyn 114). This shows that the interment was a definite low point for America. The admission by officials further reinforced this. However, it is a shame that the entire ordeal couldn't have been avoided. At the time, some people did speak out in defense of the Japanese.

The businesses and possessions of the Japanese-Americans were pilfered and vandalized by people who knew they could be taken advantage of. The Japanese-Americans were treated like cattle with absolutely no respect for their thoughts or feelings.

The internment of the Japanese-Americans during World War II will always be a shameful spot on the United States' history. The concentration camps were erected on the un-Constitutional beliefs that all men are not created equal. The harsh locations of the camps showed that America was not looking in the best interest of the Japanese. Furthermore, the despicable conditions and lack of respect added to the prejudices already inflicted upon them. By realizing past mistakes, countries can learn from them for the future.

Additionally, many conditions in the camps were unhealthy and not sterile. There was no running water. Bathroom facilities were communal and without compartments (Armor 7). Many of the families were at first put into filthy horse st

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Approximate Word count = 1675
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History