Is Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 Justified?

Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, authorized the removal of Japanese Americans and German Americans from the West Coast of the United States. The order is often revisited in discussions of American civil liberties and the government’s response to wartime hysteria. Scholars and historians debate the justification for this order, with some attributing it to personal motivations rather than genuine national security concerns. This article explores the myriad of factors, from political alliances to racial hysteria, that influenced the creation of Executive Order 9066.

Political Motivations and California Democrats

One theory proposes that Roosevelt had to make a strategic political deal to pay off the California Democrats who supported him. The exclusion and internment of Japanese Americans seemed like a way to secure the support of these key political allies. Some historians argue that, although the primary justification for Executive Order 9066 was national security and counterintelligence, it was also a political move to appease those who opposed Japanese immigration and investment in the West Coast property.

Real Versus Perceived Threats

The bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 acted as an existential threat to the United States, leading to a sense of urgency and panic. Civilian and military leaders, including Secretary of War Henry Stimson, California Governor Earl Warren, and civilian leaders, pushed for immediate action. The fear of espionage and sabotage was heightened, and consequently, many felt that removing Japanese Americans from strategic areas was necessary. However, the U.S. Justice Department, which had the legal expertise to assess the threat, did not see a significant risk from Japanese Americans.

Underlying Racism and Hostile Conditions

Anti-Japanese sentiment on the West Coast was intense even before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Vigilante groups and racist hatreds were on the rise, leading to a climate of hostility and fear. The Department of the Treasury had already frozen the assets of all Japanese-born individuals, and if they had not been relocated, many would have faced more severe hardships. The property of Japanese Americans was often seized, and businesses refused to hire those of Japanese descent. The streets were filled with angry mobs, and the situation was volatile.

The Situation in Concentration Camps

The concentration camps where Japanese Americans were interned were essentially massive infringements on civil rights. These camps, based on Executive Order 9066, were characterized by inhumane conditions and the loss of freedoms. First-hand experiences, research, and archaeological studies all confirm the severity of this internment. The United States government’s failure to adequately justify the necessity of these camps underscores its wrongdoing. This horrific chapter in U.S. history serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of racial fear and prejudice. Lessons should be learned to avoid similar situations in the future.

Concluding Thoughts on Racial Fear and Internment

Unfortunately, history has shown that many choose to respond to their fears by proposing and implementing the internment of entire communities, rather than addressing underlying issues and ensuring safety through diplomacy and informed decision-making. The internment of Japanese Americans serves as a chilling example of how fear and racism can be capitalized upon to justify extreme measures. It is crucial to recognize and rectify such injustices to prevent their recurrence in the future.