Executive Order 9066 facts for kids
Executive Order 9066 was a special rule made by the President of the United States. It was signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, during World War II. This order allowed the Secretary of War to create special "military zones."
This rule led to the forced movement of many Japanese Americans from their homes. They were sent to special camps called internment camps. Tens of thousands of Japanese Americans and Japanese citizens were held in these camps during the war. The order also affected some American residents who had family from Italian or German backgrounds.
Why the Order Was Made
After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the United States suddenly entered World War II. People in the U.S. felt a lot of fear, anger, and distrust towards Japanese Americans. Many wrongly believed that Japanese Americans had helped plan the attack.
There was also a big fear that Japan might invade the West Coast of the United States. This was because the U.S. Navy's Pacific fleet had been badly damaged at Pearl Harbor. These fears led to the decision to issue Executive Order 9066.
What the Order Did
President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942. This order called for the removal of anyone who might be a threat to national safety from the West Coast. These people were sent to special relocation centers further inland.
More than 100,000 Japanese American men, women, and children were forced to leave their homes. They were first moved to temporary assembly areas. From there, they were sent to camps that were far away from cities and guarded. These camps were often isolated.
Images for kids
-
A girl held in an Arkansas camp walks to school in 1943.
-
President Gerald Ford signs a paper ending Executive Order 9066 (February 19, 1976).
