Surviving the Japanese American Internment Camps: A Tragic History and Its Legacies

During World War II, the United States government ordered the evacuation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, primarily from California, Washington, and Oregon. While the mortality rates were significantly higher compared to the general population, the actual number of deaths varies widely in reports, ranging from approximately 75 to an estimated 85 deaths. Despite substandard living conditions and primitive facilities, which were not as dire as conditions in European concentration camps, the internment camps were still unsafe and unhealthy environments.

The internment camps were designed to be as safe and healthy as possible under the circumstances, but the living conditions were stark and oppressive. Families, middle-class workers, homemakers, and small-business owners were confined within these camps, leading to a higher death rate due to illness, accidents, and the psychological impact of the internment. However, these camps were not deliberate death camps. They provided all the basic necessities of life, except for freedom itself. This is a crucial distinction when comparing them to the European concentration camps of the same era.

The internment of Japanese Americans was a profound moral failure by American standards. In other regimes, such as Asian or Latin American governments, and European colonialists, the treatment and conditions would have been far worse. These governments and colonial powers would have deprived the internees not only of their freedom but also of basic human dignity and resources, leading to significantly higher fatality rates and levels of suffering. The internment camps, though inhumane, were generally safer and more humane.

Against the backdrop of suffering and injustice, it is important to recognize the resilience and heroism of those who survived internment. Among them, the 442nd Infantry Regiment stands out as a testament to their indomitable spirit. This unit, made up largely of the children of interned Japanese Americans, earned the highest number of battle stars of any unit in American history, as documented by the Wikipedia entry for the 442nd Infantry Regiment United States.

The legacy of the Japanese American internment is one of both tragedy and triumph. It serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of prejudice, mass incarceration, and the disregard for equal rights. Today, the internment of Japanese Americans is a historic event that must be remembered and discussed to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

Key Points to Remember

The internment camps had a death rate of approximately 25-15, which is significantly higher than the general population but not as high as European concentration camps. The camps were designed to provide basic necessities, though freedom and dignity were severely restricted. The 442nd Infantry Regiment, one of the most decorated units in the European theater, highlights the resilience and courage of those who survived internment.

In conclusion, the Japanese American internment camps were a dark chapter in American history. While the mortality rates were concerning, the conditions were not as severe as those in European concentration camps. The internment was a moral failure, but the outcome includes inspiring stories of survival and heroism, which continue to educate and inspire future generations.