Japanese Relocation During World War II (curricula)

This resource from the National Archives provides historical background, an annotated bibliography of other resources, links to primary source materials (documents, photos), standards correlations, and teaching activities.

The teaching activities are correlated to national standards for history, civics and government. Connections to the United States Constitution include: The First Amendment (right to petition the government for a redress of grievances), the Fourth Amendment (the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures), and the Fifth Amendment (due process of law). Although not stated, it appears that the lesson is best suited for secondary students and will require several class sessions to complete.

The lesson centers around the removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans. It begins with students reading background information about Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Further study is suggested into the United States' entry into the war through analysis of President Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech (see link below to this related lesson plan). This sets up further primary source analysis (documents and photographs) which then develops into students writing dramatic presentations about Japanese Americans examining various aspects of their removal and incarceration. This is followed by a class discussion, and suggestions for further research. Links to the historic documents and photographs from the National Archives are provided, along with worksheets for primary source analysis.

The lesson plan was written by Douglas Perry, teacher, Gig Harbor High School, Gig Harbor, Washington.