Congress Condemns Japanese American Internment

February 24th, 1983

February 24th, 1983

Congress Condemns Japanese American Internment
How Long Ago?

42 years, 19 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

War/Conflict

World War II

People
  • Fred Korematsu
  • Warren F. Burger
  • Dale Minami
  • Masako S. Hwang
Links & References
Tags

Congress Condemns Japanese American Internment

A special commission of the United States Congress presented findings regarding the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This formally recognized the wartime actions against these citizens as a grave injustice driven by wartime fear rather than any proven wrongdoing. The commission's report highlighted the government's failure to uphold civil liberties and called for reparations to the affected individuals and families.

Commission examined internment of Japanese Americans.

Report called for reparations and formal apology.

Findings highlighted racial prejudice during WWII.

Acknowledgment of civil liberties violations was crucial.

What Happened?

In February 1983, the U.S. Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians delivered a report that condemned the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The commission, established to examine the motivations and consequences of this mass internment policy, found that the U.S. government had acted out of a combination of racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. During the war, approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps, losing their homes and livelihoods without due process. The report not only documented the extent of these injustices but also emphasized the effects of such actions on the lives of those affected, acknowledging the long-lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.The findings culminated in a call for reparations, proposing a formal apology and financial compensation to surviving internees. This was a significant step in recognizing the wrongs committed by the government and instigating a broader conversation about civil rights. The report also served as a vital record in U.S. history that brought awareness to the consequences of discrimination and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties during times of national crisis. The acknowledgment of these injustices played a critical role in shaping contemporary discussions on race, human rights, and government accountability.

Why Does it Matter?

The condemnation of Japanese American internment represents a pivotal moment in the history of civil rights in the United States. Recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by Japanese Americans has had a lasting impact on how the U.S. approaches issues of race and civil liberties. This event prompted reflection and generated dialogue around governmental policies during wartime, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals' rights regardless of national security concerns.

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