The Supreme Court case Korematsu v. United States (1944) is a pivotal topic within Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) curricula. Understanding this case requires grasping the legal challenge to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, specifically focusing on Fred Korematsu’s refusal to comply with Exclusion Order No. 34. The APUSH definition centers on the constitutional questions raised concerning individual liberties versus national security in times of conflict, and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the government’s actions based on military necessity.
This case is important because it highlights the tensions between protecting civil rights and ensuring national security, a recurring theme throughout US history. Studying it allows students to analyze the impact of wartime policies on minority groups, evaluate the role of the Supreme Court in shaping constitutional law, and understand the long-term consequences of government actions justified by claims of national emergency. Furthermore, understanding the historical context of anti-Japanese sentiment and the perceived threat of espionage helps to contextualize the Court’s decision.
