The U.S. government believed it was necessary to place Japanese Americans in internment camps due to fears of espionage and sabotage following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the prevailing racial prejudices against Asian Americans, which led to suspicions about their loyalty. This policy is widely considered unjustified, as it violated the civil rights of Japanese Americans, lacked evidence of any real threat, and was driven by racism rather than genuine national security concerns.
Short Answer
Note: Your teacher will grade your responses to 7–8 to ensure you receive proper credit for your answers.
Give two reasons why the U.S. government believed it was necessary to place Japanese Americans in internment camps. Was this policy justified? Why or why not?
3 answers
One short-term effect of the Manhattan Project was the development and use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to the end of World War II. A long-term effect was the onset of the Cold War, marked by an arms race and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The more important effect is the long-term impact of the Cold War, as it fundamentally reshaped international relations, created a persistent threat of nuclear conflict, and influenced global politics for decades. This ongoing geopolitical tension has had profound implications for global security, arms control efforts, and international diplomacy that continue to resonate today.