Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Mitsuye Endo
Jul 3, 2019
Discover the extraordinary story of Mitsuye Endo, an often-ignored figure in American history. Her challenging experiences as a Japanese American during World War II highlight the resilience and injustice faced by her community. Explore her reluctant rise to advocate against Executive Order 9066, which led to a landmark Supreme Court decision deeming the internment unconstitutional. Delve into her impactful life post-internment and the ongoing discussion about the balance of power between the government and individual rights.
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Mitsuye Endo's Courage
- Mitsuye Endo, a Japanese-American citizen, challenged her wrongful incarceration during WWII.
- Her bravery led to a landmark Supreme Court case that helped end Japanese-American internment.
Impact of Executive Order 9066
- Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mitsuye Endo was fired from her government job due to Executive Order 9066.
- This order allowed for the removal of Japanese Americans, including citizens, due to wartime hysteria.
Challenging the Dismissals
- 63 individuals, including Endo, challenged their dismissal with support from the Japanese American Citizens League.
- They hired attorney James C. Purcell, who saw the injustice and fought for their rights.