What did Executive Order 9066, issued in February 1942, authorize?

Executive Order 9066, issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942, authorized the creation of military zones from which "any or all persons may be excluded." This order specifically led to the forced internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. The primary rationale for this action was the perceived threat of espionage and sabotage following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

The establishment of Japanese internment camps was a significant and controversial decision that reflected the wartime hysteria and racial prejudice of the era. Thousands of Japanese Americans were uprooted from their homes, businesses, and communities, leading to a long-lasting impact on their lives and a complex legacy of civil rights that would be addressed in later years. The other options, such as recruitment into the military, promoting Japanese culture, or restoring property, do not align with the actual provisions or consequences of Executive Order 9066. In fact, Japanese Americans faced significant obstacles regarding military service and suffered losses due to property confiscation during their internment.