Korematsu and Japanese-American Internment

Fred Korematsu defied the U.S. government's order to intern Japanese Americans during World War II by assuming a new identity. Despite being arrested and facing legal battles, his case, Korematsu v. United States, went to the Supreme Court, which upheld the internment. The decision is now seen as a grave injustice. Korematsu's story highlights the shifting definition of American identity and the impact of racial discrimination during wartime.

What action did Fred Korematsu take to avoid internment during World War II?

• He sought refuge in a church.

• He joined the military.

• He changed his identity and hid in Berkeley.

• He moved to another country.

Why was Fred Korematsu turned down when he tried to join the military?

• He was of Japanese descent.

• He had a criminal record.

• He was too young.

• He failed the physical exam.

What was the reaction of the Japanese-American community to Korematsu's legal fight?

• They feared it would bring more harm.

• They were indifferent.

• They were unaware of it.

• They fully supported him.

What was Fred Korematsu's personal reason for defying the internment order?

• He was unaware of the order.

• He was planning to leave the country.

• He had a serious girlfriend who was white.

• He wanted to protect his family.

What did Fred Korematsu do after being arrested?

• He joined the military.

• He decided to fight the case legally.

• He fled to another state.

• He accepted the internment.

Who supported Fred Korematsu in his legal battle against internment?

• His girlfriend

• The ACLU

• The military

• His family

What was the outcome of Korematsu's Supreme Court case?

• He lost, and internment was justified.

• The case was dismissed.

• The case was postponed.

• He won the case.

How did the Supreme Court justify the internment of Japanese-Americans?

• It was based on economic reasons.

• It was a decision made by Congress.

• It was a temporary measure.

• It was a matter of national security during wartime.

What broader issue does Korematsu's story highlight?

• Environmental protection

• Healthcare reform

• Economic inequality

• Civil rights and national security

What does Korematsu's story remind us about being American?

• It is defined by economic success.

• It is static and unchanging.

• It shifts with time and political climate.

• It is solely based on birthplace.