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Japanese Americans in Internment Camps — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging U.S. history reading passage introduces students to the story of Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II. Aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, it presents the causes, experiences, and effects of internment in a student-friendly way, emphasizing bravery, unity, and the importance of civil rights. The passage includes a glossary of key vocabulary terms, a timeline of important events, and is available with read aloud audio as well as a full Spanish translation. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz and thoughtful writing prompts that help students make connections between past and present. This resource is designed for learners to develop historical understanding and literacy skills while exploring an important chapter in American history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Manzanar (Calif.) Reception Center -- bachelor quarters in early days at Manzanar
Source: Library of Congress - Library of Congress

During World War II, the United States government forced over 120,000 Japanese Americans to leave their homes and live in internment camps. These camps were like prisons, even though most of the people sent there were American citizens. This happened because the country was at war with Japan, and the government worried that people of Japanese ancestry might help the enemy.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an order called Executive Order 9066. This order let the military remove anyone they thought was a threat from the West Coast. Many Japanese American families had to leave with only a few days’ notice. They left their homes, jobs, schools, and businesses behind. People could take only what they could carry. Most lost their homes and belongings.

The camps were in remote places far from cities. Families lived in small rooms with little privacy. They ate meals in large cafeterias and had to follow strict rules. Life was hard, but people tried to make the best of it. Children went to school in the camps. Adults worked at jobs like farming, teaching, or helping to run the camp. Still, many people felt sadness, anger, and fear. They missed their homes and worried about the future.

This time in history is known as a time of injustice. The rights of American citizens were taken away because of their ancestry. The government said it was for the country’s safety. But later, many leaders and citizens realized it was wrong to treat people unfairly because of where their families came from.

After the war ended in 1945, the camps closed and Japanese Americans could return home. Many found their homes gone and had to start over. In 1988, the U.S. government made a formal apology. Congress passed a law to apologize and gave some money to families who had been in the camps. This law said that what happened was a violation of civil liberties—the basic rights and freedoms of citizens.

Today, people remember Japanese internment so America can learn from its mistakes. It reminds us to protect the rights of all people, no matter where their families come from, even in times of fear or war.

Interesting Fact: Some Japanese Americans in the camps joined the U.S. Army and became heroes fighting for their country during the war.

Who signed Executive Order 9066?

Franklin D. RooseveltAbraham LincolnGeorge WashingtonHarry S. Truman

About how many Japanese Americans were interned?

Over 120,00010,0001,000,000500

When did the internment camps close?

1945194219881939

Why were Japanese Americans sent to camps?

Because of fear during warAs a rewardFor a vacationFor education

What happened after the war ended?

Camps closedMore camps openedNothing changedPeople stayed

What did the U.S. government do in 1988?