Identify Some Of The Important Figures Involved In This Landmark Case Concerning The Internment Of Japanese Americans:- Fred Korematsu: American Citizen Who Refused To Comply With An Internment Order.- Robert A. Jackson: Supreme Court Justice Who

Introduction

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a dark chapter in American history. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans. This decision was met with resistance from many, including American citizens who refused to comply with the order. In this article, we will explore some of the important figures involved in this landmark case, including Fred Korematsu and Robert A. Jackson.

Fred Korematsu: A Courageous American Citizen

Fred Korematsu: A Profile

Fred Korematsu was an American citizen of Japanese descent who refused to comply with the internment order. Born in 1919 in Oakland, California, Korematsu was a second-generation Japanese American who grew up in a family of modest means. He worked as a welder and was married with two children when the internment order was issued.

Korematsu's Resistance

In 1942, Korematsu was arrested and detained by the U.S. Army for refusing to report to the Tanforan Assembly Center, a temporary detention facility for Japanese Americans. He was later transferred to the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah, where he was held for over three years. Korematsu's resistance to the internment order was motivated by his desire to protect his family and his community. He believed that the internment was a violation of his civil rights and that it was based on racial prejudice.

Korematsu v. United States: A Landmark Supreme Court Case

In 1944, Korematsu's case made its way to the Supreme Court, where it was argued before Justice Robert A. Jackson. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the government, upholding the constitutionality of the internment order. However, Korematsu's case was not without its impact. In 1983, a federal court overturned the Supreme Court's decision, ruling that the internment order was based on racial prejudice and was therefore unconstitutional.

Robert A. Jackson: A Supreme Court Justice with a Conscience

Robert A. Jackson: A Profile

Robert A. Jackson was a Supreme Court Justice who served from 1941 to 1954. Born in 1892 in Springhill, New York, Jackson was a graduate of Columbia Law School and served as a prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice before being appointed to the Supreme Court.

Jackson's Dissent

In the Korematsu case, Justice Jackson dissented from the majority opinion, arguing that the internment order was a violation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Jackson wrote that the government's argument that the internment was necessary for national security was "wholly unsupported by the facts" and that it was based on "racial prejudice and a growing public fear."

Other Key Figures in the Internment of Japanese Americans

Doris Kearns Goodwin: A Historian's Perspective

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a historian and author who has written extensively on the internment of Japanese Americans. In her book "No Ordinary Time," Goodwin argues that the internment was a result of a combination of factors, including racism, fear, and a desire for national security.

General John L. DeWitt: A Military Leader with a Controversial Legacy

General John L. DeWitt was a military leader who played a key role in the internment of Japanese Americans. As the commander of the Western Defense Command, DeWitt was responsible for implementing the internment order and overseeing the relocation of Japanese Americans to detention centers.

Conclusion

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a tragic event that resulted in the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 people. The case of Fred Korematsu and the dissenting opinion of Justice Robert A. Jackson serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting civil rights and upholding the Constitution. Today, the legacy of the internment continues to be felt, with many Japanese Americans and their descendants still seeking justice and recognition for the harm that was inflicted upon them.

Timeline of Events

• 1942: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans.
• 1942: Fred Korematsu is arrested and detained by the U.S. Army for refusing to report to the Tanforan Assembly Center.
• 1944: The Korematsu case is argued before the Supreme Court, with Justice Robert A. Jackson dissenting from the majority opinion.
• 1983: A federal court overturns the Supreme Court's decision, ruling that the internment order was based on racial prejudice and was therefore unconstitutional.

Sources

• "No Ordinary Time" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• "Fred Korematsu: A Profile" by the Japanese American National Museum
• "Robert A. Jackson: A Profile" by the Supreme Court Historical Society
• "The Internment of Japanese Americans" by the National Park Service
  Q&A: The Internment of Japanese Americans =============================================

Introduction

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a complex and sensitive topic. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the internment, including its causes, its impact, and its legacy.

Q: What was the internment of Japanese Americans?

A: The internment of Japanese Americans was the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 people of Japanese descent living in the United States during World War II. The internment was authorized by Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.

Q: Why was the internment of Japanese Americans ordered?

A: The internment was ordered due to a combination of factors, including racism, fear, and a desire for national security. Many Americans believed that Japanese Americans were a threat to national security, and that they were loyal to Japan rather than the United States.

Q: What were the conditions like in the internment camps?

A: The conditions in the internment camps were harsh and unsanitary. Many people were forced to live in crowded and unsanitary conditions, with inadequate food, water, and medical care. The camps were often located in remote areas, far from cities and towns.

Q: How did the internment affect Japanese Americans?

A: The internment had a profound impact on Japanese Americans. Many people lost their homes, their businesses, and their livelihoods. They were forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions, and were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

Q: What was the impact of the internment on the Japanese American community?

A: The internment had a devastating impact on the Japanese American community. Many people were forced to leave their homes and businesses, and were unable to return. The internment also led to a loss of cultural identity and a sense of community.

Q: What was the legacy of the internment of Japanese Americans?

A: The legacy of the internment of Japanese Americans is complex and multifaceted. The internment was a grave injustice that was perpetrated against a vulnerable community. However, it also led to a greater awareness of the importance of civil rights and the need to protect the rights of all Americans.

Q: What can we learn from the internment of Japanese Americans?

A: We can learn several important lessons from the internment of Japanese Americans. First, we can learn the importance of protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Second, we can learn the dangers of racism and xenophobia, and the need to promote tolerance and understanding.

Q: How can we honor the memory of the Japanese Americans who were interned?

A: There are several ways to honor the memory of the Japanese Americans who were interned. First, we can learn about the history of the internment and its impact on the Japanese American community. Second, we can support organizations that work to preserve the history and culture of the Japanese American community. Finally, we can promote tolerance and understanding, and work to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

Q: What is the current status of the internment of Japanese Americans?

A: The current status of the internment of Japanese Americans is complex and multifaceted. While the internment was officially ended in 1945, many Japanese Americans were unable to return to their homes and businesses. Today, many Japanese Americans continue to seek justice and recognition for the harm that was inflicted upon them.

Q: How can we get involved in preserving the history and culture of the Japanese American community?

A: There are several ways to get involved in preserving the history and culture of the Japanese American community. First, we can learn about the history of the internment and its impact on the Japanese American community. Second, we can support organizations that work to preserve the history and culture of the Japanese American community. Finally, we can promote tolerance and understanding, and work to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

Sources

• "No Ordinary Time" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• "Fred Korematsu: A Profile" by the Japanese American National Museum
• "Robert A. Jackson: A Profile" by the Supreme Court Historical Society
• "The Internment of Japanese Americans" by the National Park Service