What factor led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II?

Master the GMAS US History EOC Test. Study with dynamic quizzes and exams, packed with hints and explanations to ensure you're exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

What factor led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II?

Explanation:
When people are in the midst of war, leaders sometimes act on fears about security rather than on evidence about individuals. After the Pearl Harbor attack, officials believed that loyalty could not be assumed and worried that residents of Japanese descent might help Japan. That fear of espionage or sabotage became the driving justification for relocating and imprisoning Japanese Americans, leading to Executive Order 9066 and the mass internment on the West Coast. While economic tension or prejudice existed, the decisive factor that spurred internment was the belief that Japanese Americans posed a security risk in the wake of Pearl Harbor.

When people are in the midst of war, leaders sometimes act on fears about security rather than on evidence about individuals. After the Pearl Harbor attack, officials believed that loyalty could not be assumed and worried that residents of Japanese descent might help Japan. That fear of espionage or sabotage became the driving justification for relocating and imprisoning Japanese Americans, leading to Executive Order 9066 and the mass internment on the West Coast. While economic tension or prejudice existed, the decisive factor that spurred internment was the belief that Japanese Americans posed a security risk in the wake of Pearl Harbor.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy