Short Answer 
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, prompted the U.S. entry into World War II and led to deep-seated suspicions against Japanese Americans, culminating in Executive Order 9066 which forcibly relocated around 120,000 individuals to internment camps. This action resulted in significant loss, disruption, and lasting psychological trauma for affected communities, who viewed it as a violation of their civil rights and sought recognition and reparations for the injustices faced.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor and Its Consequences
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a significant turning point in American history. This event led to the U.S. entering World War II and drastically shifted national sentiments. Many American citizens of Japanese descent faced suspicion and hostility due to their ethnicity, creating divisions within communities that had previously coexisted harmoniously.
Executive Order 9066 and Its Impact
Following the attack, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, allowing the military to designate areas as war zones from which “enemy aliens” could be removed. This resulted in the forced relocation of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps. The long-lasting effects of this order included loss of property, disruption of lives, and profound psychological impacts on those affected.
The Japanese American Perspective
From the viewpoint of Japanese Americans, the relocation was seen as a violation of their civil rights. Many viewed the internment as an unjust response to fear and paranoia rather than legitimate security concerns. As a result, Japanese Americans worked to reclaim their dignity, share their experiences, and advocate for reparations and a recognition of the injustices they faced.