As Americans, we all have civil rights. After the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, these rights were taken away from Japanese Americans. They were forced to leave their daily lives (work, home and friends). These Japanese Americans on the mainland were placed in concentration camps and left there for 4 years. During World War II, Japanese-Americans were stripped of their rights and were forced to leave their homes and move to internment camps. During this time, America did not live up to its responsibilities, as Japanese Americans were not treated equally. On the day of the attack, Japan succeeded with its “surprise” plan. The United States “had no defenses and many of its weapons were not loaded” (Keegan 255). Although they saw many planes approaching through the radar installed in the port, the Americans thought nothing of it (Keegan 254). Due to the unexpected Japanese move, the United States suffered greatly on December 7, 1941; Japan successfully sank and damaged 18 American ships, 8 battleships, and 180 aircraft. Furthermore, thousands of innocent Americans lost their lives that day and many homes were completely destroyed. Once Yamamoto learned the results of the attack, he was thrilled; Japan successfully carried out its long-planned attack (Axelrod 152). However, his joy soon ended: on December 8, the day after the bombing, Roosevelt declared war on Japan (Axelrod 149). On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Air Force attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor (Axelrod 148). Before that, the United States had not entered World War II, but this changed everything. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise, it consisted of two waves. At the end of the day, many United States... middle of the paper... were stripped of their rights as citizens of the United States. The United States has failed to uphold its responsibilities to its people. Before construction of the camps was finished, Japanese Americans were sent to various locations. For example, horse racing stables were used. The internment camps did not have acceptable conditions. Many became ill from diseases that spread very easily and quickly. Also, since they were in the western states, it was very difficult to grow food because the soil was a challenge. Civil rights were taken away from Japanese Americans for a period of time. It also links back to World War II, particularly Pearl Harbor, which changed American history. America did not handle its responsibilities well during this time period. Even though there was an inequality of rights, we have since grown and learned from our mistakes.