Fact Check: "Over 70,000 Japanese Americans were interned during WWII under a similar executive order."
What We Know
The claim that "over 70,000 Japanese Americans were interned during WWII under a similar executive order" refers to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, which was a significant and controversial event in U.S. history. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. This action was justified at the time by the U.S. government as a military necessity, although it has since been widely recognized as a violation of civil liberties based on racial prejudice (source-1).
The specific figure of "over 70,000" is somewhat misleading. While it is true that a significant number of Japanese Americans were interned, the total number is closer to 120,000, as noted above. The internment camps were established in various locations across the United States, and the majority of those interned were from the West Coast, particularly California (source-2).
Analysis
The claim under scrutiny simplifies a complex historical event. The figure of 70,000 does not accurately represent the total number of Japanese Americans interned, which is documented as approximately 120,000. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the claim.
The sources that discuss the internment of Japanese Americans, such as the National Park Service and the National Archives, provide comprehensive accounts of the events and the numbers involved. These sources are credible and are recognized for their historical accuracy. The National Archives, for instance, is a primary source for government documents and has detailed records on Executive Order 9066 and its implications (source-1).
In contrast, if the claim is derived from a less authoritative source or is taken out of context, it could mislead the public regarding the scale of the internment. The internment of Japanese Americans is a well-documented historical fact, and any claims about it should be supported by credible historical evidence.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that "over 70,000 Japanese Americans were interned during WWII under a similar executive order" is misleading. While it is true that a significant number of Japanese Americans were interned, the actual number is closer to 120,000. This discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying historical claims with reliable sources. Further research is necessary to clarify the context and accuracy of such statements.
