Why Were Japanese Americans Interned During WWII, But Not German Americans? An Examination of Historical Context

During World War II, approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps, representing about 62% of the Japanese American population on the West Coast. This action was driven by wartime hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor, but why were German Americans not subjected to the same fate? This article explores the historical context and reasons behind these decisions.

Internment of Japanese Americans: Wartime Hysteria

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was primarily driven by unwarranted fears and prejudice following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. California was perceived as a potential target by the Japanese, particularly those residing in areas near military installations, shipyards, ports, and other strategic national security areas. This created a climate of paranoia and resentment against Japanese Americans, even though they were American citizens and many had been living in the country for generations.

The Scale of Internment and Its Impact

The internment of Japanese Americans was vast and had a profound impact on their lives and communities. The government, based on fear and a lack of sufficient evidence, forcibly relocated people from their homes and businesses, often without due process. Despite the historical significance andrawn consequences, it was marked by a lack of substantive evidence to support these actions.

Contrastingly, while some German Americans were interned, the scale was significantly smaller. This was due to the fact that the United States had not been directly attacked by Germany at the time, whereas Japan had made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, sinking naval vessels and causing significant losses to American lives.

Perceptions and Treatment of Germans

The Germans were viewed differently and with a more positive lens. They were seen as honorable and civilized, with a respect for the laws of war. This perception contributed significantly to the fact that they were not interned in large numbers. The U.S. government treated German citizens with respect, thereby minimizing a potential backlash in industries and the government sector.

It's worth noting that Dwight Eisenhower, a prominent German-American, managed to avoid internment. Eisenhower's prominent role in the U.S. military, including his position as the Supreme Commander, would have likely resulted in a greater impact if he had been interned. The preservation of key decision-makers, such as Eisenhower, during such a critical period helps explain why German Americans were not collectively interned.

Key Figures and Their Status

While it is true that some high-profile German Americans, such as Donald Trump, and other notable figures, may have contributed to significant influence and wealth, the internment of German Americans was not based on their personal status or economic power. Rather, it was more a matter of perception and the balance of potential harm and benefit to the country. The internment of individuals like Rockefeller would have had a severe impact on various industries, and the interning of prominent military figures, such as Eisenhower, would have compromised national security.

Conclusion

The internment of Japanese Americans during WWII was a product of wartime hysteria, prejudice, and a lack of substantial evidence. In contrast, German Americans were not interned on a large scale due to perception and practical considerations. Understanding the historical context is crucial in evaluating these decisions and ensuring that such actions are not repeated.

Keywords

WWII, Japanese Americans, German Americans, Internment camps, racism