Short Answer 
Executive Order No. 9066, issued by President Roosevelt after the Pearl Harbor attack, led to the internment of Japanese Americans due to fears of national security threats. This decision caused severe personal and financial hardships and raised significant issues around civil liberties and racial discrimination, prompting long-standing discussions about justice and reparations that culminated in a formal apology from the U.S. government in 1988.
Step 1: Understanding Executive Order No. 9066
Executive Order No. 9066 was a directive issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. This order authorized the internment of Japanese Americans, reflecting intense feelings of suspicion and fear during World War II. The decision was taken under the belief that this group posed a potential national security threat.
Step 2: The Context and Impact
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was widespread public and political pressure to act against those perceived as enemies. As a result of Executive Order No. 9066, many Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps, leading to significant personal and financial hardships. The actions taken under this order sparked major controversies regarding civil liberties and racial discrimination.
Step 3: Legacy and Reflection
The repercussions of Executive Order No. 9066 were felt for generations, leading to long-term discussions about justice and reparations for Japanese Americans. In 1988, the U.S. government formally acknowledged the injustices of the internment and issued an apology along with monetary reparations to surviving individuals. This event serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and protecting minority communities during times of national crisis.