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| Japanese American Internment During World War II |
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Author: Heather Steven, Glen Burnie High, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Grade Level: High School
Duration: One class period |
Overview:
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On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, authorizing the internment of 110,000 Japanese Americans for the duration of the Second World War. At the time of the order the nation was reeling from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and citizens, especially those living along the West Coast, feared another attack was imminent. Many believed that Japanese Americans remained loyal to Japan and would act as spies, even though almost two-thirds of internees were United States citizens. Racial stereotypes and propaganda pieces, prevalent before and during the war, depicted the Japanese as less than human and barbaric in nature. Internees lost their homes, businesses and possessions during their confinement. Nevertheless, many Japanese Americans thought the best way to prove their loyalty to the United States was by participating in activities that aided the war effort, including making uniforms and parachutes. Almost 33,000 served in the military as Nisei soldiers.
In this lesson, students will discuss Executive Order 9066 and the decision to place Japanese Americans into camps. They will examine propaganda materials and other primary source documents to investigate stereotypes of the Japanese at this time. Images of camp life will also be studied. Students will be asked to determine alternatives to internment. |
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