Today In History logo TIH
Executive Order 9066 authorized military commanders to exclude all people of Jap
Featured Event 1942 Event

February 19

Japanese Americans Interned: Rights Stripped by Fear

Executive Order 9066 authorized military commanders to exclude all people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast, displacing over 110,000 individuals into interior camps. This action stripped sixty-two percent of those incarcerated—U.S. citizens themselves—of their liberty based on racism rather than genuine military threat. The Supreme Court later upheld these exclusion orders in *Korematsu v. United States*, establishing a legal precedent that ignored the due process violations suffered by American citizens.

February 19, 1942

84 years ago

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on February 19

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking