On March 18, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9102 establishing the War Relocation Authority and allocating 5.5 million dollars to pursue its ends. 120,000 Japanese Americans and resident Japanese aliens would eventually be removed from their homes in California, western Oregon, western Washington, and southern Arizona as part of the single largest forced relocation in U.S. history. Who were the Japanese Americans who were affected by these orders? Were they American citizens? Had they committed a crime? Why and how could this happen in the United States? Did anyone know about it? Did anyone speak out? This site covers much of the history of the Japanese in America -- from the time they began to immigrate in the mid 1800s, through the internment camps and their aftermath. Timelines, photographs, and personal artifacts and reflections will help you better understand the context for the novel.

A Virtual Introduction

Want to feel as if you are meeting actual Japanese Americans from the 1940s? Here's your virtual introduction.

Timelines

Explore a timeline showing specific events that occurred leading up to the establishment of the camps, conditions in the camps, and information on what happened to Japanese claims after the war.

This timeline dates back to 1854 when Japan signed its first treaty to open up some of its trade with America. It gives a broader understanding of some of the earlier origins on anti-Japanese sentiment.

Check out another detailed timeline.

What Led Up to the Internment?

Learn more about the context in which the decision about internment camps was made.

This site gives a concise history of the events leading up to internment and some of the ensuing discussion about its moral correctness.

Learning about Japanese American History from Pictures and Artifacts

Learn about Japanese American history through pictures and artifacts in the Smithsonian Museum.

View images from Tule and Topaz, two internment camps.

What the Japanese Americans Had to Say About Their Experience

Read the personal reflections of Japanese Americans who were interned at the various camps addressing issues such as the camp conditions, the impact of the draft, their view of loyalty, apologies, and reparations.

How Did the US Response to Italian Americans Differ?

Learn more about the United States government's response to Italian Americans during World War II. You'll find that some Italians were moved!