War Relocation Authority

Definition

The War Relocation Authority (WRA) was a U.S. government agency established in 1942 to oversee the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The agency was responsible for the forced relocation and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens, into internment camps across the country. This action stemmed from wartime hysteria and unfounded fears about national security, leading to significant consequences for individuals and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WRA was created after Executive Order 9066 was signed, which allowed military commanders to designate areas for the exclusion of individuals deemed a threat.
2. The majority of those interned were from the West Coast, with many being American citizens who had never been to Japan.
3. Internment camps were often located in remote areas, and living conditions were poor, leading to long-lasting psychological and social impacts on the internees.
4. The WRA attempted to provide education and vocational training in the camps, but the overall experience was marked by loss of property, freedom, and dignity.
5. In 1988, the U.S. government formally apologized for internment practices and provided financial compensation to surviving internees through the Civil Liberties Act.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the War Relocation Authority reflect broader societal attitudes towards Japanese Americans during World War II?
  • The creation of the War Relocation Authority highlighted widespread prejudice and fear that permeated American society during World War II. Many people viewed Japanese Americans as potential enemies due to their ethnic background, leading to a lack of trust and an urgent desire for security. This resulted in mass hysteria that justified governmental actions like internment, showcasing how wartime fear can overshadow civil liberties.
• Evaluate the impact of internment on Japanese American communities and discuss how these experiences contributed to demographic changes post-war.
  • Internment had devastating effects on Japanese American communities, leading to loss of property, businesses, and a profound disruption of family life. The trauma experienced during this time pushed many families to relocate after the war in search of new opportunities or safety. This contributed to demographic shifts as Japanese Americans spread across different regions in the U.S., altering community structures and dynamics.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of the War Relocation Authority's actions on American civil rights movements and government policies.
  • The actions taken by the War Relocation Authority had lasting repercussions on civil rights movements in America, raising awareness about government overreach and racial discrimination. The experiences of Japanese Americans during internment fueled advocacy for civil liberties and legal protections against similar injustices in the future. Additionally, subsequent policies have sought to address past wrongs through reparations and formal apologies, influencing how racial minorities are treated in times of national crisis.

Related terms

Japanese Internment: The forced relocation and confinement of Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II due to perceived threats to national security.

Executive Order 9066: The presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans and the creation of military zones for their relocation.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A law passed by the U.S. Congress that acknowledged the injustices of Japanese American internment and provided reparations to survivors.