How did the attack on Pearl Harbor affect Japanese Americans?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, profoundly affected Japanese Americans, leading to their internment due to widespread distrust and fear among the American public and government officials. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, there was a surge of anti-Japanese sentiment fueled by concerns about national security. This resulted in the U.S. government's decision to forcibly relocate and intern approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans, many of whom were U.S. citizens.

This action was justified at the time by the perception that individuals of Japanese ancestry posed a potential threat to the country, despite the lack of evidence supporting such fears. The internment camps were established under executive orders, leading to significant loss of property, businesses, and community connections for those affected.

In contrast, increased support for civil rights did not occur during this time; rather, civil liberties were severely restricted. While some Japanese Americans did choose to serve in the military, this was not a direct consequence of Pearl Harbor but rather a complex response to their situation. Therefore, the internment is recognized as a significant historical injustice that stemmed directly from the events surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor.