Twenty years after World War I, humanity was, once again, beset by more hostility. September 1, 1939 marked the start of World War II, this time with new players on the agenda. Waves of fear and paranoia have spread across the United States, shaking the very foundations of liberty and justice for all. The waves crashed forcefully on a single ethnic group, Japanese Americans, who had their rights and respect taken away. They were considered traitors and enemies in their own country and were thrown into prison camps because of it. This event marks one of the lowest moments in United States history and changed the course of the country as a whole. World War II broke out in Europe on September 1, 1939, when Germany, led by Hitler, declared war on Poland. Together, Germany, Japan, and Italy formed the three main countries that formed the Axis powers, which fought the Allies. The Allies consisted of Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union and the United States. The Axis Powers and the Allies clashed on land, sea and air, creating the largest and bloodiest war in history, leaving between 40 and 50 million people dead. At first, the United States tried to remain neutral. A majority of public opinion had an isolationist attitude. Many citizens attempted to dissuade Congress from providing relief and supplies to Britain and France, but this attitude quickly changed when a surprise attack took place directly on American soil. December 7, 1941, approximately 26 months after the start of the war; the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked a fleet of United States Navy ships at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Material damage included 21 ships, 8 of which were well-equipped battleships, and 350 ...... middle of paper ...... related directly to the camps, the root of all their problems began with the prejudices that they were confronted. When they first heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor, many of the internees, especially Issei, began destroying any property they owned that tied them to Japan, even though he were precious family heirlooms. They bought war bonds and joined the Red Cross and the army. One particular military division was made up entirely of Nisei soldiers who fought bravely in Europe. The 442nd Regiment became the most “decorated” military unit for having won so many awards and medals of honor. They helped convince those who previously suspected them that Japanese Americans could be patriotic. Even President Harry Truman praised them when he awarded them the Distinguished Unit Citation in 1946: "You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice and you won" (President Harry Truman).