Japanese Internment Camps

Letter to President Roosevelt

Aug 18, 1941

According to Satsuki Ina of PBS.org, representative John Dingell wrote a letter suggesting the incarceration of 10,000 Hawaiian Japanese Americans to ensure "good behavior" on the part of Japan.

Attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan

Dec 7, 1941

Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor sparks the fear of Japanese Americans.

FDR Signing Exec Order 9066

Feb 19, 1942

Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 after the attacks on Pearl Harbor during WWII, which cleared the way for Japanese deportation to internment camps. According to PBS.org, the order allowed military authorities to exclude anyone from anywhere without trial or hearings.

The Removal Begins

Feb 25, 1942

The first large group of Japanese Americans were given 48 hours to leave their homes near Los Angeles. They were only allowed to take what they could carry.

"Concentration Camps"

Feb 27, 1942

Idaho agrees to allow Japanese Americans in only if they are in "concentration camps under military guard."

Public Proclamation No. 1

Mar 2, 1942

Gen. John L. DeWitt issues Public Proclamation No. 1 which creates two military areas in the western states. After this many more sprouted up in various areas throughout the country.

Executive Order 9102

Mar 18, 1942

President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9102, which creates the War Relocation Authority (WRA). The WRA is responsible for the relocation of Japanese Americans.

First Inmates

Aug 10, 1942

The first inmates arrive at camp in Idaho. Within the next month other camps around the country begin to house inmates.

Internment Ends

Dec 17, 1944

Public Proclamation No. 21, effective on January 2, 1945, declares that the relocated Japanese Americans are allowed to return to their homes.

Last Camp Closes

Mar 20, 1946

The only remaining camp at Tule Lake, California closes. It was the biggest camp of the 10, once containing 18,789 inmates.

Reparations

Period: Jun 10, 1970 to Aug 10, 1988

Japanese Americans and other organizations call for reparations due to their forced evacuation and internment. On August 10, 1988, President Reagan signs H.R. 442. This gives each surviving internee $20,000 in reparations and $1.25 billion education fund is created.

H.R. 442

Aug 10, 1988

President Raegan signs H.R. 442, giving each surviving internee a reparation payment of $20,000. This also created a 1.25 billion dollar education fund.