Life Behind Barbed Wire: Japanese American Internment During World War II

In 1942, Japanese American Dave Tatsuno and his family were forced to leave their home due to Executive Order 9066, which mandated the internment of Japanese Americans. They were transported to Camp Topaz in Utah, one of ten internment camps. Despite being officially allowed to leave, the lack of homes, jobs, and education for children outside the camps left them with no choice but to stay. Dave documented life in the camp, capturing the harsh conditions and the resilience of the internees.

What was the main reason for the forced relocation of Japanese Americans in 1942?

• They wanted to join the military.

• They were offered new homes by the government.

• They were suspected of disloyalty and potential espionage.

• They volunteered to move for better opportunities.

What was the primary mode of transportation used to move Japanese Americans to internment camps?

• Private cars

• Bicycles

• Airplanes

• Government buses and trains

Where was Camp Topaz located?

• Arkansas

• Utah

• Nevada

• California

What challenges did Japanese American families face in the internment camps?

• They lived in cramped barracks and faced restrictions on leaving.

• They were allowed to continue their businesses.

• They were free to leave and find work easily.

• They had access to luxurious accommodations.

How did Dave Tatsuno contribute to documenting life in the internment camps?

• He wrote a book about his experiences.

• He organized community events.

• He painted murals on the camp walls.

• He smuggled a camera into the camp to film daily life.