Compare the following executive orders of President Franklin D. Roosevelt directing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and President Eisenhower’s directing the desegregation of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Question

President Roosevelt’s Executive Order No. 9066:

“Whereas the successful prosecution of the war requires every possible protection against espionage and against sabotage to national‐defense material, national‐defense premises, and national‐defense utilities... therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of War, and the Military Commanders... to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he or the appropriate Military Commander may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to which, the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restrictions the Secretary of War or the appropriate Military Commander may impose in his discretion.”

President Eisenhower’s Executive Order No. 3204:

“...certain persons in the State of Arkansas, individually and in unlawful assemblages, combinations, and conspiracies, have willfully obstructed the enforcement of orders of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas with respect to matters relating to enrollment and attendance at public schools, particularly at Central High School, located in Little Rock School District, Little Rock, Arkansas... Whereas such obstruction of justice constitutes a denial of the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution of the United States and impedes the course of justice under those laws: Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the United States, do command all persons engaged in such obstruction of justice to cease and desist therefrom, and to disperse forthwith....”

Explain how both presidents were addressing concerns over societal changes.

(1 point)
Responses

In both cases, the presidents are seeking to protect the rights of all citizens of the United States.
In both cases, the presidents are seeking to protect the rights of all citizens of the United States.

In both cases, the presidents are confronting the dangers to public safety, either sabotage or conspiracies.
In both cases, the presidents are confronting the dangers to public safety, either sabotage or conspiracies.

In both cases, the presidents are working closely with Congress to address a public safety issue that is a result of societal change.
In both cases, the presidents are working closely with Congress to address a public safety issue that is a result of societal change.

In both cases, the presidents are using the powers as leader of the military to accomplish aims for public safety.

Answer 1

In both cases, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower were addressing significant societal changes and the accompanying fears that arose during their respective times.

1. Concerns Over Public Safety: Roosevelt’s Executive Order No. 9066 was enacted in response to fears of espionage and sabotage during World War II, primarily aimed at the Japanese American community. The societal change here was the shift in perception of Japanese Americans as potential threats due to the war climate. Roosevelt's directive to intern Japanese Americans came from these fears, effectively sidelining civil liberties for what was seen as a national security concern.

   Conversely, Eisenhower's Executive Order No. 3204 addressed the societal change of desegregation and the civil rights movement, specifically the resistance faced in integrating public schools in Little Rock. The order was a response to the danger posed by obstructive actions against the enforcement of court-ordered desegregation, which included threats of violence and societal unrest. Eisenhower aimed to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of African American students to attend the same schools as their white peers.

2. Use of Executive Power: Both presidents utilized their authority as military leaders to address these societal issues. Roosevelt invoked his powers as Commander in Chief to implement measures that would restrict the freedoms of Japanese Americans under the guise of national security. In contrast, Eisenhower also drew upon his military authority by deploying federal troops to ensure compliance with court orders and promote desegregation in Little Rock, thereby maintaining order and protecting civil rights.

3. Working Within Constitutional Frameworks: Each president framed their executive orders within the context of their constitutional roles. Roosevelt’s order reflected a wartime rationale, prioritizing collective security over individual rights, while Eisenhower referenced constitutional protections, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the law and ensuring equal protection under the law amidst societal shifts toward desegregation.

Thus, while both presidents were addressing public safety in light of changing societal dynamics, their approaches and the contexts of their actions differed significantly, highlighting contrasting views on civil liberties and federal authority in times of crisis.