AboutTom Expertise While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
Expert: Tom Date: 2/24/2007 Subject: Question regarding Nisei
Question Hello Tom,
I'm doing a paper on the Nisei and the Japanese interment from WWII. I'm wondering if you know of anyone or any organization)who had a pro-interment attitude? I'm trying to compare and contrast the attitude of the day and pro vs. con.
Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Lisa
Is there a web page you know of that is pro-interment? I'm seeing a lot of history and looking at legal cases, but need to show the anti-Japanese sentiment of the day.
Answer You are quite right - there are tons of articles, opinion pieces, websites and such about the internment and its aftermath, but they cover the roots of the problem almost in passing, if at all.
here is a notable official history source that lends credibility to papers: http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/books/70-7_05.htm
While dry reading, and so won't provide the inflammatory language of say a San Francisco paper on Dec 8, 1941, this official history covers some of the background of the problem, as well as the mechanics of actually executing the relocation of Japanese-Americans.
For ex. on page 128 (a couple pages into the history), you'll find a quote showing the viewpoint of General DeWitt, Commander of the Western Defense Command.
That history also shows the progression of decisions about how to deal with the J-As, with some arguing for full internment, others for watching them in their neighborhoods, and then some for prohibiting them from certain sensitive areas, etc.
Bottom of p. 132 and top of p. 133 refers to the Roberts Report, which is worth noting in your paper, as it was the first official investigation of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
And on p. 138 a crucial statement that has held up to scrutiny up to today: "In fact, no proved instances of sabotage or of espionage after Pearl Harbor among the west coast Japanese population were ever uncovered."
This site has a number of good links that might also be of some value.
But the best way to find out about the attitude of the US govt and population before and in aftermath of Pearl Harbor is to go to the papers of the day. This likely means either a good library (esp. colleges), or you can buy the online access to newspapers. If you do the online paper approach, look about for what is likely to suit your purpose the best - you likely only need one. San Francisco, Los Angeles or New York paper would do nicely.
Let me know if you need more help, but this is a good start, and pulling up a newspaper reference or two would give great support to your paper.
