Question

Why did the US government think internment camps were necessary during World War II?
to protect against discrimination
to protect national security
to improve relations with Japan
to improve relations with Germany

Answer 1

The U.S. government believed that internment camps were necessary during World War II primarily **to protect national security**. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, there was widespread fear and suspicion toward Japanese Americans, many of whom were U.S. citizens. The government argued that internment was a precautionary measure to prevent espionage and sabotage. This led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. The decision has since been recognized as a grave injustice and a violation of civil rights.