The Japanese Americans

The experience of Japanese immigrants to North America was very different from that of other groups.

In the 19th century Japan was a highly structured, isolated society.

Little by little, however, Japanese students, scientists, and officials were allowed to come to the United States.

The country's peasants were heavily taxed to pay for these trips.

This in turn caused the peasants to leave-but in secret.

After Japan's military attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, thousands of Japanese Americans were taken from their homes and placed in detention camps.

Read about the journey of Japanese immigrants and how they have overcome extreme discrimination and hardships to become a vital part of American society today.