1 00:00:05,532 --> 00:00:07,624 - [clinton] every president since george washington, 2 00:00:07,718 --> 00:00:11,702 Has had to define what we mean by the words, we the people, 3 00:00:11,797 --> 00:00:14,705 And a more perfect union. 4 00:00:14,800 --> 00:00:16,683 In moments of harmony and conflict, 5 00:00:17,728 --> 00:00:20,211 Of growth and severe distress, 6 00:00:20,230 --> 00:00:23,065 In times of triumph and tragedy, 7 00:00:23,216 --> 00:00:26,551 Each of our presidents has had to make a choice. 8 00:00:26,645 --> 00:00:29,646 To take us forward or backward, 9 00:00:29,798 --> 00:00:31,573 To unite us or divide us, 10 00:00:33,318 --> 00:00:37,245 To greet the future with open arms or a clenched fist. 11 00:00:37,472 --> 00:00:40,640 The choices they made and how they acted on them, 12 00:00:40,659 --> 00:00:43,543 Is the story of the american presidency. 13 00:00:52,412 --> 00:00:54,412 Every presidents since our founding, 14 00:00:54,506 --> 00:00:56,598 Whether consciously or not, 15 00:00:56,749 --> 00:01:01,344 Has had to define who constitutes, we the people? 16 00:01:01,496 --> 00:01:04,848 Who's really entitled to those certain inalienable rights 17 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:07,526 That we declared our independence to secure? 18 00:01:09,020 --> 00:01:11,354 I've always believed that, we the people, 19 00:01:11,448 --> 00:01:13,764 Should mean all of us. 20 00:01:13,784 --> 00:01:17,360 And as president I tried to keep widening the circle of us 21 00:01:17,512 --> 00:01:20,363 And shrinking the circle of them. 22 00:01:20,515 --> 00:01:23,867 I thought it was the right thing to do and I also thought 23 00:01:24,019 --> 00:01:27,129 It will strengthen all our futures. 24 00:01:27,356 --> 00:01:31,466 Because diverse inclusive groups of free and equal people 25 00:01:31,693 --> 00:01:35,637 Make better decisions than homogenous exclusive ones do. 26 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:38,974 My predecessors and successors 27 00:01:39,201 --> 00:01:41,792 All had their own definitions of, we the people. 28 00:01:41,887 --> 00:01:44,704 Some broad, some narrow 29 00:01:44,723 --> 00:01:47,557 And all of them shaped, at least in part, 30 00:01:47,709 --> 00:01:51,044 But he culture and conditions of their times. 31 00:01:51,137 --> 00:01:53,471 Sometimes those definitions have changed 32 00:01:53,565 --> 00:01:55,715 Within a single presidency. 33 00:01:55,808 --> 00:01:58,076 That was certainly the case for abraham lincoln. 34 00:01:59,479 --> 00:02:00,645 Who over the course of his presidency, 35 00:02:00,664 --> 00:02:03,056 Took increasingly bold steps. 36 00:02:03,074 --> 00:02:04,958 First to preserve the union 37 00:02:06,061 --> 00:02:08,061 And then to redefine 38 00:02:08,154 --> 00:02:11,131 Who would be included in we the people. 39 00:02:13,068 --> 00:02:15,844 (suspenseful music) 40 00:02:24,021 --> 00:02:27,096 - By the time abraham lincoln takes the oath of office 41 00:02:27,249 --> 00:02:31,985 In March of 1861, seven states had seceded from the union 42 00:02:32,863 --> 00:02:35,422 And more would follow. 43 00:02:35,515 --> 00:02:38,274 And a month after his inauguration 44 00:02:38,368 --> 00:02:41,536 There's an attack on ft. Sumter and the civil war began. 45 00:02:46,268 --> 00:02:50,027 - Winning the war was his number one priority, 46 00:02:50,047 --> 00:02:52,789 As commander in chief. 47 00:02:52,941 --> 00:02:57,293 The confederacy was capable of winning the war. 48 00:02:57,387 --> 00:03:00,555 The confederacy had a number of different advantages, 49 00:03:00,707 --> 00:03:04,284 In its favor, that lincoln was very well aware of. 50 00:03:04,377 --> 00:03:07,062 And one of those advantages was slavery. 51 00:03:10,567 --> 00:03:13,309 - It is, as the war continues 52 00:03:13,462 --> 00:03:16,479 That he starts to think about the connection 53 00:03:16,573 --> 00:03:20,492 Between the war effort and ending slavery. 54 00:03:22,804 --> 00:03:24,821 - Lincoln is remembered as the great emancipator. 55 00:03:24,973 --> 00:03:27,657 But lincoln did not engage in civil war 56 00:03:27,809 --> 00:03:31,211 As a primary function to emancipate slaves. 57 00:03:32,756 --> 00:03:35,832 - He was committed to preserving the union at all cost. 58 00:03:35,926 --> 00:03:39,319 He famously said that if he could free all the slaves 59 00:03:39,412 --> 00:03:41,671 And save the union, he will do that. 60 00:03:41,765 --> 00:03:45,082 If he could free no slaves and still save the union, 61 00:03:45,102 --> 00:03:46,917 He would do that too. 62 00:03:47,012 --> 00:03:49,271 - If you read his state papers, 63 00:03:49,422 --> 00:03:54,091 You'd find that he was a creature of his time, 64 00:03:54,185 --> 00:03:57,170 In that he was antislavery. 65 00:03:57,188 --> 00:04:00,765 But being antislavery did not make you 66 00:04:00,859 --> 00:04:05,011 A racial integrationist egalitarian. 67 00:04:05,104 --> 00:04:08,865 - The difference is that he was able to rise above 68 00:04:08,959 --> 00:04:11,534 Some of his prejudices 69 00:04:11,686 --> 00:04:15,188 And look at what was best for the nation. 70 00:04:15,281 --> 00:04:18,858 - And his thinking on slavery and emancipation, 71 00:04:18,877 --> 00:04:21,711 Gradually evolves, as the war evolves 72 00:04:21,805 --> 00:04:24,955 Between 1861 and 1862. 73 00:04:25,050 --> 00:04:28,101 - Then it becomes a political reality he cannot avoid. 74 00:04:32,724 --> 00:04:37,560 - Lincoln realized that slavery was at the heart of the war 75 00:04:38,304 --> 00:04:41,305 And that if you brought the union back together, 76 00:04:41,399 --> 00:04:43,066 With slavery still in place, 77 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:44,642 It was going to solve nothing. 78 00:04:44,736 --> 00:04:46,143 That a few years down the road, 79 00:04:46,163 --> 00:04:47,570 You would have the same problem. 80 00:04:47,664 --> 00:04:48,888 So I think he understood 81 00:04:48,981 --> 00:04:50,832 That he had to do something about slavery. 82 00:04:55,730 --> 00:04:58,173 - Lincoln begins contemplating the possibility 83 00:04:58,400 --> 00:05:00,917 Of an emancipation order with his cabinet 84 00:05:01,011 --> 00:05:04,904 In the summer of 1862. 85 00:05:04,997 --> 00:05:06,906 - Abraham lincoln once told the congress 86 00:05:06,925 --> 00:05:09,576 That the question in politics was not, 87 00:05:09,594 --> 00:05:12,579 Can any of else imagine better? 88 00:05:12,672 --> 00:05:14,856 It is that can any of us do better? 89 00:05:16,693 --> 00:05:20,195 - Black people saw this as a war for their liberation. 90 00:05:20,422 --> 00:05:22,864 So they were already on the road to freedom. 91 00:05:24,517 --> 00:05:27,927 He understand that if you talk about freeing them, 92 00:05:27,946 --> 00:05:29,854 It throws the south into chaos. 93 00:05:29,948 --> 00:05:33,099 He knows that if he can free them 94 00:05:33,192 --> 00:05:35,192 And can get them into the union army, 95 00:05:35,286 --> 00:05:37,604 Then he might win this war. 96 00:05:37,622 --> 00:05:39,606 - At that point, the course of the war 97 00:05:39,624 --> 00:05:42,199 Is still very much in flux. 98 00:05:42,219 --> 00:05:45,445 He recognizes that there is no way that he can get support 99 00:05:45,538 --> 00:05:48,615 For an emancipation order, unless it was clear 100 00:05:48,708 --> 00:05:50,392 That the tide of the war was shifting 101 00:05:50,543 --> 00:05:52,227 In the favor of the union. 102 00:05:52,454 --> 00:05:56,380 So he waits until September 1862, 103 00:05:56,474 --> 00:05:57,974 A union victory at antietam, 104 00:05:58,126 --> 00:06:00,985 To issue the preliminary emancipation proclamation. 105 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:06,241 - It said if you don't return to the union, 106 00:06:06,468 --> 00:06:08,484 I'm going to free your enslaved laborers, 107 00:06:08,637 --> 00:06:10,578 You have a 100 days to make a decision. 108 00:06:12,157 --> 00:06:14,474 Of course none of the southern states 109 00:06:14,492 --> 00:06:16,993 Come back into the union and lincoln knew 110 00:06:17,145 --> 00:06:18,978 That they weren't going to do that. 111 00:06:19,071 --> 00:06:21,664 But he felt he had to give them the 100 days. 112 00:06:21,758 --> 00:06:25,927 And so on January 1st, he issues the final proclamation. 113 00:06:27,931 --> 00:06:29,839 - The emancipation proclamation, 114 00:06:29,933 --> 00:06:33,676 Would free the enslaved people in every part of america, 115 00:06:33,770 --> 00:06:36,104 Over which abraham lincoln had no control. 116 00:06:36,255 --> 00:06:39,332 He was doing it as a war measure to some extent. 117 00:06:39,350 --> 00:06:42,944 To try to encourage the enslaved to join the union cause. 118 00:06:44,689 --> 00:06:47,023 - Lincoln certainly saw the emancipation proclamation 119 00:06:47,117 --> 00:06:50,026 As a military document 120 00:06:50,178 --> 00:06:54,514 One rooted in very careful legal reasoning. 121 00:06:54,532 --> 00:06:57,016 But by January 1, 1863, 122 00:06:57,109 --> 00:07:00,444 He also recognized the moral importance 123 00:07:00,464 --> 00:07:01,463 Of what he was doing. 124 00:07:03,858 --> 00:07:06,042 It is one of the most transformative moments 125 00:07:06,194 --> 00:07:07,802 In american history. 126 00:07:10,474 --> 00:07:12,715 - As he was about to sign the proclamation, 127 00:07:12,809 --> 00:07:13,933 Lincoln's hand shook, 128 00:07:16,721 --> 00:07:18,813 And he says as he's signing, 129 00:07:18,965 --> 00:07:21,983 If his name goes down for history for any event, 130 00:07:22,210 --> 00:07:25,061 It'll be for that one thing that he's doing 131 00:07:25,155 --> 00:07:27,063 And his whole heart was in it, 132 00:07:27,215 --> 00:07:28,907 Although his hand was shaking initially. 133 00:07:35,890 --> 00:07:38,241 - And from that point on, the civil war, 134 00:07:38,335 --> 00:07:40,409 From the perspective of lincoln, 135 00:07:40,562 --> 00:07:43,246 Was no longer just about preserving the union. 136 00:07:43,340 --> 00:07:45,398 It was about remaking the union, 137 00:07:45,491 --> 00:07:47,917 It was about remaking the united states 138 00:07:48,069 --> 00:07:50,419 And creating a new united states. 139 00:07:50,572 --> 00:07:53,515 One in which black people were free 140 00:07:53,742 --> 00:07:56,476 And had the potential to be equal citizens. 141 00:07:58,688 --> 00:08:01,856 - He believed that the nation was truly founded on 142 00:08:02,083 --> 00:08:05,026 The idea that all men are created equal, 143 00:08:05,177 --> 00:08:09,531 And that they are all worthy of certain rights, 144 00:08:09,758 --> 00:08:11,774 Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 145 00:08:11,868 --> 00:08:13,517 He believed that firmly. 146 00:08:13,537 --> 00:08:15,995 That was his vision for america. 147 00:08:18,933 --> 00:08:21,876 - Emancipation proclamation is arguably the most 148 00:08:22,103 --> 00:08:25,529 Significant executive order in american history. 149 00:08:25,549 --> 00:08:28,958 It laid the groundwork for the destruction of slavery. 150 00:08:29,052 --> 00:08:31,201 It allowed for the liberation 151 00:08:31,221 --> 00:08:35,539 Of some 3.5 million enslaved peoples in the context 152 00:08:35,559 --> 00:08:38,726 Of the war itself, 153 00:08:38,878 --> 00:08:41,879 But it also set the united states on a new course. 154 00:08:41,898 --> 00:08:46,383 Set the united states on a journey to try 155 00:08:46,403 --> 00:08:49,070 And create a more perfect union. 156 00:08:49,297 --> 00:08:53,466 To try and create a union that was predicated 157 00:08:53,559 --> 00:08:58,329 On the ideal of a multiracial democracy. 158 00:08:59,324 --> 00:09:01,565 And that struggle has continued 159 00:09:01,659 --> 00:09:04,335 From 1863 up until the present. 160 00:09:06,314 --> 00:09:10,666 - I don't think we do him or us, any favors 161 00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:14,503 By pretending that he was a tall white martin luther king 162 00:09:14,656 --> 00:09:16,989 From illinois. He wasn't. 163 00:09:17,083 --> 00:09:19,434 He was as frederick douglass said, 164 00:09:19,661 --> 00:09:22,520 "preeminently the white man's president," 165 00:09:24,332 --> 00:09:28,351 And yet, as douglass went on, "we knew that somehow 166 00:09:28,503 --> 00:09:33,114 Our hour of liberation had met in this man and this moment." 167 00:09:34,359 --> 00:09:36,692 The mystery and tragedy of history, 168 00:09:36,786 --> 00:09:40,604 Is not that perfect people push us toward a better day 169 00:09:40,698 --> 00:09:44,274 But that these flawed fallible people, 170 00:09:44,294 --> 00:09:47,687 Manage to make things just better enough, 171 00:09:47,780 --> 00:09:49,631 That enough of us believe the experiment 172 00:09:49,858 --> 00:09:51,374 Is worth continuing. 173 00:09:51,526 --> 00:09:53,259 And I think that's where lincoln fits in. 174 00:09:59,550 --> 00:10:01,534 - [clinton] by the late 19th century, 175 00:10:01,552 --> 00:10:04,537 The nation has more than double in size. 176 00:10:04,555 --> 00:10:07,131 Ours is a vast land, in need of people 177 00:10:07,225 --> 00:10:08,816 To fuel its growing economy. 178 00:10:10,061 --> 00:10:12,803 And immigration seems like the answer. 179 00:10:12,897 --> 00:10:16,658 New arrivals need jobs and the country needs workers. 180 00:10:18,386 --> 00:10:20,828 Immigration is always been part of america's story. 181 00:10:22,557 --> 00:10:24,832 But when it comes to including new immigrants, 182 00:10:25,059 --> 00:10:27,576 In the definition of we the people. 183 00:10:27,671 --> 00:10:29,337 The answers aren't so simple. 184 00:10:30,489 --> 00:10:32,298 Who has the right to be here? 185 00:10:46,839 --> 00:10:48,690 - On July 2, 1881, 186 00:10:48,917 --> 00:10:51,675 When word spread that president james garfield 187 00:10:51,695 --> 00:10:54,195 Had been shot by an assassin, 188 00:10:55,532 --> 00:10:58,849 The immediate reaction was chester arthur, 189 00:10:58,943 --> 00:11:00,368 President of the united states? 190 00:11:00,595 --> 00:11:01,327 Good god! 191 00:11:03,873 --> 00:11:06,040 No one to that point in time, 192 00:11:06,267 --> 00:11:09,602 Had entered the presidency of the united states, 193 00:11:09,695 --> 00:11:13,122 With less ambition, less experience, 194 00:11:13,216 --> 00:11:15,124 Less name recognition 195 00:11:15,218 --> 00:11:18,627 And less respect than chester alan arthur. 196 00:11:18,722 --> 00:11:22,223 - Chester arthur was generally thought to be a party hack. 197 00:11:22,450 --> 00:11:25,560 This was someone who will please the machines. 198 00:11:25,787 --> 00:11:27,954 - He was a man who reveled in the material world. 199 00:11:28,047 --> 00:11:30,064 He was impeccably dressed. 200 00:11:30,291 --> 00:11:33,292 He had by one account, 84 pairs of pants. 201 00:11:33,385 --> 00:11:38,222 He had this wide, sort of mutton chops 202 00:11:38,241 --> 00:11:41,409 And mustache and that was chester arthur. 203 00:11:42,987 --> 00:11:44,971 Nobody intended that he would become 204 00:11:45,064 --> 00:11:47,749 President of the united states and yet he did. 205 00:11:52,071 --> 00:11:54,922 When chester alan arthur became president, 206 00:11:55,149 --> 00:11:57,741 American workers were suffering greatly. 207 00:11:57,835 --> 00:12:02,597 The panic of 1873 had decimated the american working class. 208 00:12:02,824 --> 00:12:05,658 And whenever there was an economic down turn, 209 00:12:05,751 --> 00:12:07,435 People look for people to blame. 210 00:12:08,754 --> 00:12:10,605 - The labor movement on the west coast, 211 00:12:10,832 --> 00:12:13,941 Was pitying white workers against chinese workers 212 00:12:14,168 --> 00:12:16,168 And the question of chinese immigration 213 00:12:16,262 --> 00:12:19,947 Really comes to a central point of crisis. 214 00:12:22,268 --> 00:12:24,693 - One of the concerns was that the chinese labor 215 00:12:24,846 --> 00:12:27,196 Would undercut the american worker. 216 00:12:27,290 --> 00:12:29,273 Because the chinese were 217 00:12:29,367 --> 00:12:30,941 Willing to work for less pay 218 00:12:31,035 --> 00:12:33,185 Or in more perilous conditions. 219 00:12:33,279 --> 00:12:36,872 And economic anxiety combined with 220 00:12:37,025 --> 00:12:39,300 Racism, xenophobic began to grow. 221 00:12:40,695 --> 00:12:44,138 - In the 19th century, race is still 222 00:12:44,365 --> 00:12:48,125 The primary factor in determining 223 00:12:48,144 --> 00:12:50,961 Whether a group can become american. 224 00:12:50,980 --> 00:12:54,890 And chinese immigrants are outside of the community of 225 00:12:54,984 --> 00:12:55,942 We the people. 226 00:12:57,545 --> 00:13:00,822 And so the slogan, the chinese must go!, 227 00:13:00,973 --> 00:13:03,807 Becomes part of the labor movement 228 00:13:03,827 --> 00:13:07,811 Relating to the danger of simply 229 00:13:07,831 --> 00:13:10,164 Their presence in the united states. 230 00:13:13,744 --> 00:13:17,004 - In the spring of 1882, these forces 231 00:13:17,231 --> 00:13:20,508 That had been coalescing against chinese laborers 232 00:13:20,735 --> 00:13:24,846 Come to a head with a bill called the chines exclusion act. 233 00:13:26,516 --> 00:13:28,757 - This is the first important immigration 234 00:13:28,910 --> 00:13:30,810 Restriction measure in american history. 235 00:13:32,747 --> 00:13:37,249 - It allows the exclusion of chinese labors for 20 years. 236 00:13:37,268 --> 00:13:40,419 And its the first time in federal history 237 00:13:40,512 --> 00:13:43,013 That the united states has singled out 238 00:13:43,032 --> 00:13:46,534 An entire population for exclusion 239 00:13:48,204 --> 00:13:51,163 And it passes the senate with an overwhelming majority. 240 00:13:53,877 --> 00:13:57,003 - The bill is placed on arthur's desk for his signature, 241 00:13:58,289 --> 00:14:01,031 By a republican controlled congress. 242 00:14:01,125 --> 00:14:04,460 With the full expectation that a republican president, 243 00:14:04,612 --> 00:14:07,947 Arthur, will sign off on this bill. 244 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:10,040 - Arthur's aware of the really intense 245 00:14:10,134 --> 00:14:11,058 Anti-chinese sentiment. 246 00:14:13,454 --> 00:14:15,379 So, arthur says look these people were brought here 247 00:14:15,473 --> 00:14:16,622 To build the railroads and they did. 248 00:14:16,715 --> 00:14:18,641 And we've all benefited from it, 249 00:14:18,735 --> 00:14:21,402 And this bill ignores that contradiction. 250 00:14:21,629 --> 00:14:25,481 And if we exclude chinese labor, we're also excluding the 251 00:14:25,633 --> 00:14:28,075 Trade and commerce of the orient, 252 00:14:28,227 --> 00:14:32,304 And all of that exist in his mind as he contemplates 253 00:14:32,398 --> 00:14:33,748 What am I gonna do with this bill? 254 00:14:35,234 --> 00:14:37,752 And to the astonishment of just about everybody, 255 00:14:37,903 --> 00:14:38,586 He vetoes it. 256 00:14:42,592 --> 00:14:44,592 - President chester arthur's view is 257 00:14:44,819 --> 00:14:47,336 That it was inconsistent with the economic interest 258 00:14:47,430 --> 00:14:49,321 And the diplomatic and friendship interests 259 00:14:49,415 --> 00:14:51,766 That the united states government had. 260 00:14:51,993 --> 00:14:54,827 - And it did violate his sense of what was right. 261 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:58,514 But decency, honor and political power, 262 00:14:58,666 --> 00:15:01,591 Don't often sit at the same lunch table. 263 00:15:01,686 --> 00:15:03,778 And chet arthur is not a man 264 00:15:03,929 --> 00:15:07,782 Who defines himself by principles. 265 00:15:07,933 --> 00:15:10,693 He recognizes there is a high level of support 266 00:15:10,787 --> 00:15:12,269 For this bill. 267 00:15:12,288 --> 00:15:14,121 And so he sends the bill back 268 00:15:14,348 --> 00:15:16,015 Suggesting that the problem isn't entirely, 269 00:15:16,033 --> 00:15:17,683 That there's going to be an exclusion 270 00:15:17,776 --> 00:15:20,202 Of chinese immigration but that a 20 year period 271 00:15:20,296 --> 00:15:22,463 Is too long an exclusion time. 272 00:15:26,302 --> 00:15:30,362 And the republicans re-craft the bill, largely the same 273 00:15:30,456 --> 00:15:32,289 But with a 10 year exclusion period. 274 00:15:32,308 --> 00:15:34,475 And this time, arthur decides to sign it. 275 00:15:38,889 --> 00:15:41,874 About 40,000 chinese immigrants 276 00:15:41,967 --> 00:15:46,654 Came in 1882, before the exclusion act was passed. 277 00:15:47,732 --> 00:15:51,993 By 1885, its a drastic drop. 278 00:15:55,406 --> 00:15:58,907 - Eventually chinese exclusion becomes asian exclusion. 279 00:15:59,002 --> 00:16:02,228 Its really not until the mid 20th century, 280 00:16:02,246 --> 00:16:05,731 That immigrants from asia are permitted back 281 00:16:05,824 --> 00:16:08,009 Into the united states in large numbers. 282 00:16:11,088 --> 00:16:13,830 In the debates over chinese immigration, 283 00:16:13,850 --> 00:16:18,077 You find many of the same sort of arguments 284 00:16:18,170 --> 00:16:20,337 And political dynamics that characterize 285 00:16:20,356 --> 00:16:22,023 Our immigration debate today. 286 00:16:24,101 --> 00:16:28,771 There is a consistent theme of scapegoating immigrants. 287 00:16:28,865 --> 00:16:33,534 When there are pressure, such as a economic depression. 288 00:16:35,263 --> 00:16:37,446 - What the president says 289 00:16:37,540 --> 00:16:40,708 The rhetoric that they choose in describing 290 00:16:40,935 --> 00:16:43,860 Whether immigration is a good thing for the country 291 00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:47,882 Or a threat to the country, really has so much weight. 292 00:16:48,033 --> 00:16:50,292 Because of the power of that office 293 00:16:50,444 --> 00:16:52,628 And the ways in which that office 294 00:16:52,722 --> 00:16:57,132 Is suppose to reflect our ideals, our better selves. 295 00:16:57,226 --> 00:17:00,519 As well as the nation that we want to be in the future. 296 00:17:09,814 --> 00:17:10,887 - The struggles faced by formerly enslaved people 297 00:17:10,981 --> 00:17:12,631 And new immigrants, 298 00:17:12,650 --> 00:17:15,801 Reflect how much resistance that's always been 299 00:17:15,820 --> 00:17:18,079 To broadening the definition of we the people. 300 00:17:19,415 --> 00:17:21,398 That resistance was especially fierce 301 00:17:21,492 --> 00:17:23,066 Against native americans. 302 00:17:23,086 --> 00:17:26,161 Who face depression from the earliest days 303 00:17:26,314 --> 00:17:28,314 Of european colonization. 304 00:17:28,332 --> 00:17:31,500 By the 1880's, native americans had endured 305 00:17:31,594 --> 00:17:34,653 A succession of wars, forced removal, resettlement's 306 00:17:34,672 --> 00:17:35,930 And near extermination. 307 00:17:37,325 --> 00:17:41,994 Then in 1890, president benjamin harrison 308 00:17:42,012 --> 00:17:44,605 Would extend that long line of suffering. 309 00:17:57,511 --> 00:17:59,745 - Benjamin harrison was the grandson 310 00:18:01,015 --> 00:18:05,108 Of one of the most famous indian fighters 311 00:18:05,128 --> 00:18:08,129 In history, william henry harrison. 312 00:18:08,356 --> 00:18:10,372 And of course someone who preceded him 313 00:18:10,524 --> 00:18:13,450 Into the presidency. 314 00:18:14,620 --> 00:18:17,471 At the time congress is almost evenly divided 315 00:18:17,623 --> 00:18:19,882 Between democrats and republicans. 316 00:18:19,976 --> 00:18:23,051 And so harrison and the republicans in the senate, 317 00:18:23,204 --> 00:18:26,221 Are clinging to power by their fingernails. 318 00:18:26,374 --> 00:18:30,392 And the republican party hits upon a masterstroke 319 00:18:30,486 --> 00:18:33,303 For keeping control of the senate and that was 320 00:18:33,397 --> 00:18:35,472 To admit new states. 321 00:18:35,491 --> 00:18:37,825 Each of which would have two senators. 322 00:18:37,976 --> 00:18:41,645 The idea was that these states will be populated 323 00:18:41,664 --> 00:18:44,814 By republicans, they'll elect republicans senators 324 00:18:44,834 --> 00:18:48,169 And we'll have permanent majority. 325 00:18:51,899 --> 00:18:54,508 - The first four territories to gain statehood 326 00:18:54,660 --> 00:18:56,235 Under benjamin harrison, 327 00:18:56,253 --> 00:19:00,848 Were north and south dakota, montana and washington. 328 00:19:01,851 --> 00:19:04,518 But this process of statehood 329 00:19:04,670 --> 00:19:07,855 Lead to disposition of native people 330 00:19:08,006 --> 00:19:10,357 And the destruction of native homes. 331 00:19:11,752 --> 00:19:13,194 - The great sioux reservation is split up 332 00:19:13,421 --> 00:19:16,697 Into a number of smaller reservations. 333 00:19:16,848 --> 00:19:20,183 Native people lose something like 11 million acres 334 00:19:20,203 --> 00:19:21,944 Of their land. 335 00:19:22,096 --> 00:19:25,873 - That's about half of the land that they held at the time. 336 00:19:29,453 --> 00:19:33,380 (native american chanting) 337 00:19:33,607 --> 00:19:36,550 - And so out of the, this desperation comes 338 00:19:36,777 --> 00:19:38,886 A spiritual movement called, the ghost dance. 339 00:19:40,723 --> 00:19:44,058 Its a prophecy where the ancestors have come back, 340 00:19:44,209 --> 00:19:45,875 The buffalo have come back 341 00:19:45,895 --> 00:19:48,062 And the white people have disappeared. 342 00:19:49,974 --> 00:19:52,624 - White authorities came to see the ghost dance, 343 00:19:52,718 --> 00:19:55,719 As the basis for an uprising 344 00:19:55,738 --> 00:19:57,238 Which they were sure was coming. 345 00:19:58,983 --> 00:20:01,725 - Members of the military are riding to washington, 346 00:20:01,819 --> 00:20:05,246 Talking about the ghost dance in really extreme ways. 347 00:20:10,235 --> 00:20:14,480 Harrison felt some fear about when people were telling him 348 00:20:14,573 --> 00:20:16,924 And he wanted to avoid a crisis, 349 00:20:17,151 --> 00:20:19,927 He wanted to be perceived as strong 350 00:20:20,078 --> 00:20:24,748 And so harrison sent approximately 5,000 troops 351 00:20:24,767 --> 00:20:26,158 To the region. 352 00:20:26,176 --> 00:20:28,102 A quarter of the standing army. 353 00:20:33,334 --> 00:20:36,092 - Towards the end of December the 7th calvary 354 00:20:36,112 --> 00:20:40,781 Surrounds a group of lakota at a place called wounded knee. 355 00:20:43,027 --> 00:20:47,846 - The army was demanding that all indians stop ghost dancing 356 00:20:48,774 --> 00:20:50,791 And moved where they can be watched by the army. 357 00:20:53,687 --> 00:20:56,463 And the 7th calvary leadership demand 358 00:20:56,615 --> 00:20:58,299 That they turn over all of their guns. 359 00:20:59,802 --> 00:21:02,786 So, they hand over some number of guns, 360 00:21:02,805 --> 00:21:07,215 And the army is not satisfied so they decide 361 00:21:07,368 --> 00:21:10,811 They're gonna do a search of the entire camp. 362 00:21:13,482 --> 00:21:15,707 One of the soldiers grabs a young man, 363 00:21:15,801 --> 00:21:17,318 Whose got one of these guns. 364 00:21:19,822 --> 00:21:21,989 - And then someone starts doing the ghost dance, 365 00:21:23,901 --> 00:21:28,144 And the ghost dancer throws some dust up in the air 366 00:21:28,238 --> 00:21:29,496 And a gun goes off. 367 00:21:31,241 --> 00:21:34,501 - The commander of the 7th calvary looks at his troops, 368 00:21:35,746 --> 00:21:36,503 And says, "fire." 369 00:21:39,249 --> 00:21:40,674 - And then the massacre begins. 370 00:21:53,839 --> 00:21:58,007 By the time the guns stop firing and the cannons are done 371 00:21:58,027 --> 00:22:01,028 There are several hundred lakota people, 372 00:22:01,255 --> 00:22:03,030 You know men, women, children, elders, 373 00:22:03,181 --> 00:22:03,864 Who are dead. 374 00:22:06,093 --> 00:22:10,019 - Harrison is at the center of this chain of decisions, 375 00:22:10,039 --> 00:22:14,208 That results in this catastrophic atrocity. 376 00:22:17,213 --> 00:22:21,289 - But even this did not outweigh 377 00:22:21,384 --> 00:22:25,368 What harrison considered his primary responsibility, 378 00:22:25,388 --> 00:22:28,630 Which was to protect the settlers. 379 00:22:28,782 --> 00:22:33,394 Those were the people that he imagined as the we 380 00:22:34,304 --> 00:22:36,121 Of we the people. 381 00:22:36,140 --> 00:22:39,458 And the victims of the massacre 382 00:22:39,476 --> 00:22:43,737 Were to harrison still them. 383 00:22:46,725 --> 00:22:48,892 So he awarded 20 medals of honor 384 00:22:48,911 --> 00:22:52,079 To participants in the massacre. 385 00:22:54,399 --> 00:22:57,584 - One of the most powerful things a president could do 386 00:22:58,587 --> 00:23:00,737 Would be to have native issues 387 00:23:00,756 --> 00:23:04,758 Actually seen and heard and recognized. 388 00:23:07,930 --> 00:23:10,322 Native people has never been part of the conversation 389 00:23:10,415 --> 00:23:13,175 Of what it means to be american. 390 00:23:13,327 --> 00:23:15,827 They've always been seen as an obstacle, 391 00:23:15,846 --> 00:23:19,273 Something that's in the way of american progress. 392 00:23:24,763 --> 00:23:26,521 - At the turn of the 20th century, 393 00:23:26,615 --> 00:23:30,451 As many groups continue to fight for full citizenship rights 394 00:23:30,602 --> 00:23:33,954 American women remained excluded from the right to vote. 395 00:23:36,016 --> 00:23:38,867 Woodrow wilson takes office in 1913, 396 00:23:38,961 --> 00:23:41,295 The suffragist movement has reached a boiling point. 397 00:23:42,965 --> 00:23:45,949 But on the federal level and the white house in particular 398 00:23:46,043 --> 00:23:50,378 There has only been silence about women's voting rights. 399 00:23:50,531 --> 00:23:53,381 What will it take for president woodrow wilson 400 00:23:53,476 --> 00:23:55,100 To break that silence? 401 00:24:09,641 --> 00:24:13,810 - Woodrow wilson arrives in washington in March of 1913 402 00:24:13,829 --> 00:24:18,832 For his inauguration and expects to greeted by the press 403 00:24:19,059 --> 00:24:21,150 And thousands of people welcoming him 404 00:24:21,245 --> 00:24:22,669 To the nations capital. 405 00:24:22,896 --> 00:24:25,506 And when he steps off the train under the platform, 406 00:24:25,733 --> 00:24:28,066 He's alone. 407 00:24:28,085 --> 00:24:30,752 - And he says where are the crowds? 408 00:24:30,846 --> 00:24:35,907 And he's told that there down on pennsylvania avenue, 409 00:24:35,926 --> 00:24:40,521 Where a massive suffrage procession is being held. 410 00:24:41,857 --> 00:24:44,858 - Wilson probably felt quite upstaged. 411 00:24:45,085 --> 00:24:48,695 This is the first national suffrage parade, 412 00:24:48,847 --> 00:24:51,156 This was a really monumental moment. 413 00:24:52,868 --> 00:24:56,261 - It was thousands of women who marched to illustrate 414 00:24:56,354 --> 00:24:58,947 To the incoming wilson administration 415 00:24:59,099 --> 00:25:02,434 That suffrages were numerous and disciplined 416 00:25:02,527 --> 00:25:04,545 And determined to have the vote. 417 00:25:10,052 --> 00:25:13,278 - Woodrow wilson was not a tremendous enthusiast 418 00:25:13,297 --> 00:25:15,614 Of equal rights for women. 419 00:25:15,632 --> 00:25:19,284 He tended to view women as having, if not lesser 420 00:25:19,303 --> 00:25:22,120 Than different intelligence then men. 421 00:25:22,139 --> 00:25:24,881 When he was a university professor he said that he feared 422 00:25:24,900 --> 00:25:27,568 That teaching women was atrophying his mental muscles. 423 00:25:29,054 --> 00:25:31,888 - Wilson was a democratic president 424 00:25:31,982 --> 00:25:35,391 And the democrats were beholden 425 00:25:35,411 --> 00:25:38,394 To conservative interest in the south. 426 00:25:38,414 --> 00:25:40,989 Wilson himself have been born in virginia, 427 00:25:41,083 --> 00:25:42,991 He grew up in georgia. 428 00:25:43,143 --> 00:25:46,812 - And because of woodrow wilson's upbringing 429 00:25:46,830 --> 00:25:48,980 And his leadership of the democratic party, 430 00:25:48,999 --> 00:25:51,717 We the people had a much narrower focus. 431 00:25:53,411 --> 00:25:57,005 We the people, did not include rights for people of color 432 00:25:57,157 --> 00:26:00,008 Or for women, including the right to vote. 433 00:26:00,160 --> 00:26:02,936 - Many white southerners dreaded the prospect 434 00:26:03,163 --> 00:26:05,755 Of any kind of federal legislation to deal 435 00:26:05,849 --> 00:26:07,423 With the right to vote. 436 00:26:07,443 --> 00:26:10,944 Because any involvement would potentially infringe upon 437 00:26:11,096 --> 00:26:13,763 The disfranchising of black people that was a hallmark 438 00:26:13,857 --> 00:26:15,616 Of government in southern states. 439 00:26:17,435 --> 00:26:19,511 - But by the time woodrow wilson starts 440 00:26:19,604 --> 00:26:21,363 His second term as president, 441 00:26:21,515 --> 00:26:25,108 Popular opinion is turning in favor of women's voting rights 442 00:26:25,202 --> 00:26:26,960 Across the country. 443 00:26:27,187 --> 00:26:30,689 - 15 states had enfranchised women. 444 00:26:30,707 --> 00:26:33,634 - And yet, he still not interested advocating 445 00:26:33,785 --> 00:26:36,786 For a federal suffrage amendment. 446 00:26:36,805 --> 00:26:40,198 - So the suffragist shifts their strategy 447 00:26:40,217 --> 00:26:43,143 And they start engaging in civil disobedience. 448 00:26:45,222 --> 00:26:48,440 They're the first activist to picket the white house. 449 00:26:49,968 --> 00:26:52,043 Wilson hates the fact that every time 450 00:26:52,062 --> 00:26:54,321 He goes out of the white house he sees these women. 451 00:27:01,330 --> 00:27:04,147 But then there is another wing of the suffrage movement, 452 00:27:04,166 --> 00:27:06,558 Working from the inside. 453 00:27:06,651 --> 00:27:09,227 - These women are society ladies 454 00:27:09,320 --> 00:27:11,413 Who are lobbying behind the scenes, 455 00:27:11,507 --> 00:27:15,491 They are feeding wilson arguments of how to support 456 00:27:15,511 --> 00:27:16,751 Women's voting rights in a way 457 00:27:16,904 --> 00:27:19,070 That will appeal to the public. 458 00:27:19,164 --> 00:27:21,014 They really emphasize that women 459 00:27:21,241 --> 00:27:24,242 Would be even better mothers and wives 460 00:27:24,335 --> 00:27:26,311 If they had the right to vote. 461 00:27:27,672 --> 00:27:29,523 And it felt like someone like wilson 462 00:27:29,750 --> 00:27:32,434 Likes a less aggressive, less militant, 463 00:27:32,586 --> 00:27:34,753 More conservative way of advocating 464 00:27:34,771 --> 00:27:36,438 For women's voting rights. 465 00:27:36,590 --> 00:27:38,757 But as he sees more and more of these women 466 00:27:38,775 --> 00:27:41,993 In his social circles, that pressure increases. 467 00:27:43,539 --> 00:27:46,614 - And then along comes the world war. 468 00:27:46,767 --> 00:27:49,167 And takes front and center of american politics. 469 00:27:51,029 --> 00:27:54,881 - Dirty little secret of war is that its good for women. 470 00:27:57,294 --> 00:28:00,554 - They are an essential part of the war effort. 471 00:28:00,781 --> 00:28:04,299 And so the war provided a nationalization 472 00:28:04,451 --> 00:28:07,227 Of perceived responsibilities of the government. 473 00:28:07,378 --> 00:28:09,120 - And wilson realize 474 00:28:09,139 --> 00:28:10,972 That he would really be behind the times 475 00:28:11,066 --> 00:28:14,234 If he did not eventually support women's suffrage. 476 00:28:14,385 --> 00:28:17,145 - So at the end of September 1918, 477 00:28:17,297 --> 00:28:20,148 Wilson goes before the senate 478 00:28:20,300 --> 00:28:22,242 Asking for support for suffrage. 479 00:28:23,912 --> 00:28:27,973 He says we have asked so much of women during the war, 480 00:28:27,991 --> 00:28:31,067 To support the war, to take over the role of men, 481 00:28:31,086 --> 00:28:35,255 How can we deny them equality when the war is over? 482 00:28:38,093 --> 00:28:40,409 - Despite president wilson's support 483 00:28:40,429 --> 00:28:42,670 For women's voting rights in 1918, 484 00:28:42,765 --> 00:28:44,556 The vote actually fails. 485 00:28:46,493 --> 00:28:49,511 - And it takes another year and a half, 486 00:28:49,605 --> 00:28:53,181 For the united states senate to vote 2/3 in favor 487 00:28:53,333 --> 00:28:55,400 Of a constitutional amendment. 488 00:28:57,112 --> 00:29:01,782 But by 1920, the senate passes the 19th amendment. 489 00:29:05,178 --> 00:29:07,846 And wilson begins claiming that it was 490 00:29:07,864 --> 00:29:11,625 One of the great victory's of his administration. 491 00:29:11,776 --> 00:29:16,187 - He sees this as a tangible piece of progress 492 00:29:16,281 --> 00:29:18,465 And that does reflect a political shift 493 00:29:18,616 --> 00:29:20,091 And a personal shift. 494 00:29:21,804 --> 00:29:25,288 - President's are complex and they don't always lead 495 00:29:25,307 --> 00:29:28,550 With the kind of moral courage that we would envision 496 00:29:28,702 --> 00:29:30,218 And want from them. 497 00:29:30,312 --> 00:29:33,980 Yet sometimes with the right pressure from the people, 498 00:29:34,207 --> 00:29:36,608 They come about and do the right thing. 499 00:29:43,492 --> 00:29:46,217 - Presidential records can be complex. 500 00:29:46,236 --> 00:29:48,811 President franklin roosevelt is justly remembered 501 00:29:48,831 --> 00:29:51,832 As a savior of democracy at home and around the world. 502 00:29:52,909 --> 00:29:54,742 But after pearl harbor, 503 00:29:54,895 --> 00:29:56,244 The same champion of freedom, 504 00:29:56,338 --> 00:29:58,321 Also made the decision 505 00:29:58,340 --> 00:30:02,133 To incarcerate japanese americans in interment camps. 506 00:30:03,661 --> 00:30:05,995 His complicated legacy 507 00:30:06,014 --> 00:30:08,756 Is one that reflects the broader struggle to figure out 508 00:30:08,909 --> 00:30:12,018 Who exactly we the people are? 509 00:30:23,773 --> 00:30:25,198 - After pear harbor, 510 00:30:25,425 --> 00:30:27,275 The american government and the american people 511 00:30:27,427 --> 00:30:31,204 Were concerned about the safety of our nation. 512 00:30:31,431 --> 00:30:35,024 And would there be more attacks by japan? 513 00:30:35,043 --> 00:30:38,527 - There is an enormous public pressure 514 00:30:38,547 --> 00:30:40,939 Coming especially from the west coast 515 00:30:41,032 --> 00:30:43,291 And from within the military 516 00:30:43,443 --> 00:30:46,945 Arguing that it is unsafe 517 00:30:46,963 --> 00:30:50,206 To allow japanese americans 518 00:30:50,225 --> 00:30:53,376 To reside up and down the pacific coast 519 00:30:53,470 --> 00:30:55,562 That they are too close 520 00:30:55,713 --> 00:31:00,066 To militarily sensitive areas and that the risk is too great. 521 00:31:01,478 --> 00:31:02,644 - [announcer] up and down the west coast, 522 00:31:02,796 --> 00:31:05,071 The slogan of the day is, watch those japs. 523 00:31:06,891 --> 00:31:09,968 - Fdr was always very sensitive to public opinion. 524 00:31:09,986 --> 00:31:13,805 That was his genius as a politician and 525 00:31:13,823 --> 00:31:17,492 He took very seriously the growing hysteria. 526 00:31:17,644 --> 00:31:20,236 He as well as the country were in the throes 527 00:31:20,255 --> 00:31:23,048 Of a great deal of uncertainty and a great deal of fear. 528 00:31:24,426 --> 00:31:27,743 Roosevelt was trying to do whatever he could 529 00:31:27,763 --> 00:31:30,931 To protect the country in time of war. 530 00:31:32,417 --> 00:31:35,084 - Department of justice, leaders argue 531 00:31:35,103 --> 00:31:38,179 Incarcerating an entire population 532 00:31:38,331 --> 00:31:41,849 Based on race is unamerican, 533 00:31:42,002 --> 00:31:44,760 It will infringe on their civil liberties 534 00:31:44,854 --> 00:31:47,672 This is not what we want to do. 535 00:31:47,691 --> 00:31:50,191 - But ultimately the buck has to stop somewhere 536 00:31:50,343 --> 00:31:52,452 And it stops in the oval office. 537 00:31:54,864 --> 00:31:57,606 - On February 19, 1942, 538 00:31:57,701 --> 00:32:00,794 Fdr signs executive order 9066. 539 00:32:02,522 --> 00:32:05,799 It grants the military full control over deciding 540 00:32:06,026 --> 00:32:09,877 Which groups might be a national security risk. 541 00:32:09,972 --> 00:32:13,807 And grants them the power to then relocate them, 542 00:32:13,958 --> 00:32:15,475 And incarcerate them. 543 00:32:17,037 --> 00:32:17,885 - [announcer] japs evacuate 544 00:32:17,980 --> 00:32:19,145 Vital west coast areas 545 00:32:19,297 --> 00:32:20,438 For the national security. 546 00:32:21,984 --> 00:32:26,486 - Nearly 120,000 individuals of japanese ancestry, 547 00:32:26,713 --> 00:32:29,731 2/3 whom were american citizens by birth, 548 00:32:29,883 --> 00:32:33,234 Were forcibly excluded from the west coast 549 00:32:33,386 --> 00:32:35,644 And incarcerated in camps 550 00:32:35,664 --> 00:32:38,331 Across the continental united states. 551 00:32:41,169 --> 00:32:43,336 - Yup, it was a few weeks after my 5th birthday, 552 00:32:43,488 --> 00:32:48,324 And suddenly we saw two soldiers marching up our driveway. 553 00:32:49,160 --> 00:32:52,754 They carried rifles with shiny bayonets on them. 554 00:32:52,848 --> 00:32:56,574 They stomped up the front porch and with their fist, 555 00:32:56,593 --> 00:32:59,019 Began pounding on the door. 556 00:32:59,170 --> 00:33:01,337 The whole house trembled 557 00:33:01,431 --> 00:33:06,151 And literally at gun point, we were ordered out of our home. 558 00:33:07,362 --> 00:33:10,196 That morning is seared into my memory, 559 00:33:10,423 --> 00:33:13,992 I will never forget the terror of that morning. 560 00:33:16,204 --> 00:33:20,373 And we were innocent american citizens. 561 00:33:20,600 --> 00:33:22,858 - Japanese americans lost their homes, 562 00:33:22,952 --> 00:33:26,454 They lost their businesses, they lost their communities. 563 00:33:26,548 --> 00:33:29,440 But most of all what was lost was a sense of place 564 00:33:29,534 --> 00:33:32,201 At the american table of citizenship. 565 00:33:32,220 --> 00:33:35,296 Were we american citizens or were we not? 566 00:33:35,448 --> 00:33:39,375 This cut to the very core of how the community 567 00:33:39,394 --> 00:33:42,470 And japanese americans saw themselves. 568 00:33:42,622 --> 00:33:45,290 - There are 10 war relocation authority camps 569 00:33:45,383 --> 00:33:47,550 Throughout the united states. 570 00:33:47,569 --> 00:33:51,237 - The camps were located in the most desolate 571 00:33:51,389 --> 00:33:54,223 God forbidden areas you can imagine. 572 00:33:54,242 --> 00:33:57,802 In the middle of deserts, in the middle of swamp lands, 573 00:33:57,821 --> 00:33:59,245 In the middle of nowhere. 574 00:34:01,808 --> 00:34:05,251 - We were in a united states concentration camp. 575 00:34:08,573 --> 00:34:12,834 The sentry towers had machine guns pointed toward us. 576 00:34:12,986 --> 00:34:17,430 And the perimeter was guarded by 6 tanks. 577 00:34:18,675 --> 00:34:22,268 Tanks! Those expensive equipment of war, 578 00:34:22,420 --> 00:34:24,662 Belong on a battlefield. 579 00:34:24,681 --> 00:34:28,733 Not there to intimidate innocent american citizens. 580 00:34:30,170 --> 00:34:32,520 - President franklin roosevelt stated, 581 00:34:32,672 --> 00:34:36,023 "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." 582 00:34:36,118 --> 00:34:39,861 And in this decision he succumbed to the fear 583 00:34:39,955 --> 00:34:42,122 That many americans had, 584 00:34:42,349 --> 00:34:45,700 Of who the japanese in american were. 585 00:34:45,852 --> 00:34:47,869 And through an executive order, 586 00:34:47,963 --> 00:34:51,631 He was able to violate the constitutional rights 587 00:34:51,782 --> 00:34:53,299 Of these americans. 588 00:34:58,198 --> 00:35:02,867 And then in 1943, the army realizing 589 00:35:02,960 --> 00:35:05,720 That it needs more men to go and fight, 590 00:35:05,814 --> 00:35:10,224 Put out a call to have young japanese americans 591 00:35:10,377 --> 00:35:14,988 Volunteer to fight for liberty and justice across the globe. 592 00:35:16,383 --> 00:35:18,883 - President roosevelt made a speech saying, 593 00:35:18,976 --> 00:35:22,662 "every american citizen has the right 594 00:35:22,813 --> 00:35:26,574 And obligation to defend the united states of america." 595 00:35:26,726 --> 00:35:29,151 This, after they imprisoned us. 596 00:35:29,171 --> 00:35:31,896 We have the right to fight for our country, 597 00:35:31,915 --> 00:35:35,917 It was the height of hypocrisy and irrationality. 598 00:35:36,011 --> 00:35:37,010 Why should we do that? 599 00:35:41,666 --> 00:35:43,591 - [clinton] the words, we the people, 600 00:35:43,743 --> 00:35:45,351 Never carried more weight than when civil liberties 601 00:35:45,503 --> 00:35:46,644 Are on the line. 602 00:35:48,415 --> 00:35:51,432 Japanese americans are now asked to prove their loyalty, 603 00:35:51,584 --> 00:35:54,585 By taking up arms and fighting for the country 604 00:35:54,604 --> 00:35:57,588 That stripped them of their liberty, their property 605 00:35:57,607 --> 00:35:59,365 And their rights. 606 00:36:02,946 --> 00:36:05,371 - It was not a forgone conclusion that we 607 00:36:05,523 --> 00:36:07,040 Would win the war. 608 00:36:07,267 --> 00:36:11,102 And so many young japanese american men knew, 609 00:36:11,120 --> 00:36:12,770 Right or wrong, 610 00:36:12,863 --> 00:36:16,883 That loyalty needed to be demonstrated in blood. 611 00:36:17,110 --> 00:36:20,678 How else do we demonstrate that we are american? 612 00:36:22,390 --> 00:36:26,208 And so 1,256 signed up 613 00:36:26,228 --> 00:36:27,969 On that first day. 614 00:36:28,063 --> 00:36:32,123 - And they were taken from those barbed wire fences, 615 00:36:32,216 --> 00:36:36,143 Put into a segregated all japanese american unit 616 00:36:36,296 --> 00:36:38,629 And sent to the battlefields of europe, 617 00:36:38,648 --> 00:36:41,741 Where they were used like cannon fodder. 618 00:36:46,139 --> 00:36:48,656 The 442nd regiment of combat team 619 00:36:48,750 --> 00:36:52,493 Sustained the highest combat casualty rate 620 00:36:52,587 --> 00:36:56,481 Of any other unit and were the single most decorated 621 00:36:56,499 --> 00:36:58,549 Unit of the entire war. 622 00:37:00,095 --> 00:37:03,078 - They upheld america's promise. 623 00:37:03,098 --> 00:37:06,674 The promise that in our nation 624 00:37:06,826 --> 00:37:10,252 No one is to judged by the color of their skin, 625 00:37:10,346 --> 00:37:12,163 The nation of their origin, 626 00:37:12,256 --> 00:37:14,832 Or the god who they choose to worship. 627 00:37:14,851 --> 00:37:17,443 And these young men and women embodied that. 628 00:37:19,263 --> 00:37:21,522 They were fighting for their nation, 629 00:37:21,616 --> 00:37:23,841 The united states of america. 630 00:37:23,860 --> 00:37:27,120 But they were also fighting for equality back home. 631 00:37:34,020 --> 00:37:36,296 - In 1944, there's a supreme court case, 632 00:37:36,523 --> 00:37:41,617 The mitsuye endo case and the supreme court rules 633 00:37:41,711 --> 00:37:45,305 That it is unconstitutional for the u.S. Government 634 00:37:45,532 --> 00:37:48,123 To incarcerate a japanese american, 635 00:37:48,143 --> 00:37:52,203 Who can show their loyalty to the country. 636 00:37:52,296 --> 00:37:55,297 And roosevelt knows that this ruling 637 00:37:55,391 --> 00:37:57,984 Is going to happen within days. 638 00:37:58,135 --> 00:38:01,970 So within days of that anticipated 639 00:38:02,065 --> 00:38:04,231 Supreme court decision, 640 00:38:04,384 --> 00:38:07,810 President roosevelt formally rescinds the original order. 641 00:38:07,904 --> 00:38:10,455 And eventually the camps close. 642 00:38:13,059 --> 00:38:16,836 - The country is still hostile, we're are being let go of 643 00:38:17,063 --> 00:38:20,081 The most notorious internment camp. 644 00:38:20,175 --> 00:38:23,918 We were terrified, we got a one way ticket 645 00:38:24,070 --> 00:38:28,756 To anywhere in the united states and $25 each. 646 00:38:28,908 --> 00:38:31,642 $25 to start life anew. 647 00:38:33,355 --> 00:38:36,672 - The internment of americans of japanese descent, 648 00:38:36,691 --> 00:38:39,600 Was franklin roosevelt's greatest concession 649 00:38:39,694 --> 00:38:41,694 To the politics of fear. 650 00:38:41,921 --> 00:38:45,990 It was racially motivated, it was reactionary 651 00:38:47,535 --> 00:38:51,445 And it is a blemish on what is a remarkable record 652 00:38:51,539 --> 00:38:53,706 As a leader of democracy at home 653 00:38:53,933 --> 00:38:56,501 And a defender of democracies abroad. 654 00:38:58,046 --> 00:39:02,440 - Our history of japanese incarceration is on the one hand 655 00:39:02,533 --> 00:39:05,459 A continuation of our history of racism 656 00:39:05,553 --> 00:39:08,629 And also unequal rights. 657 00:39:08,723 --> 00:39:12,800 But it is also a reminder of how important it is 658 00:39:12,952 --> 00:39:15,636 That we hold true to those ideals and values 659 00:39:15,730 --> 00:39:17,622 During times of crisis 660 00:39:17,640 --> 00:39:20,958 Like war, like economic depression, 661 00:39:20,977 --> 00:39:24,629 Like a global pandemic. 662 00:39:24,722 --> 00:39:28,741 - My father said, we are imperfect human beings. 663 00:39:28,893 --> 00:39:33,654 Our democracy is imperfect 664 00:39:33,806 --> 00:39:35,373 Because the people, 665 00:39:36,418 --> 00:39:39,401 We the people, are imperfect. 666 00:39:39,495 --> 00:39:41,379 And great presidents too, 667 00:39:42,740 --> 00:39:46,050 Are not exempted from fallibility. 668 00:39:47,820 --> 00:39:52,098 We the people, we have to give those words meaning. 669 00:39:53,342 --> 00:39:55,843 Infuse them with truth, 670 00:39:55,995 --> 00:39:58,420 By what we the people do. 671 00:39:58,440 --> 00:40:00,064 Otherwise they're just words. 672 00:40:01,350 --> 00:40:04,185 It is a participatory democracy 673 00:40:04,337 --> 00:40:07,447 And we have to be in there participating. 674 00:40:13,513 --> 00:40:15,346 - Over the past two and half centuries, 675 00:40:15,364 --> 00:40:17,940 A more inclusive definition of we the people, 676 00:40:18,034 --> 00:40:21,035 Has emerged in fits and starts. 677 00:40:21,129 --> 00:40:24,464 Progressive movements expand rights and opportunities 678 00:40:24,691 --> 00:40:27,374 And in response reactions to them 679 00:40:27,527 --> 00:40:29,802 Claw back whatever they can of those gains. 680 00:40:31,139 --> 00:40:32,880 And even when we move closer to fulfilling 681 00:40:32,974 --> 00:40:34,957 Our highest aspirations, 682 00:40:34,976 --> 00:40:37,034 Its not always been with this much virtue 683 00:40:37,127 --> 00:40:39,479 As we like to tell ourselves. 684 00:40:39,706 --> 00:40:42,890 But on the whole, we've been stumbling 685 00:40:43,042 --> 00:40:44,108 In the right direction. 686 00:40:45,469 --> 00:40:48,470 We've come a long way since we started. 687 00:40:48,564 --> 00:40:53,308 When we the people, meant white, male property owners. 688 00:40:53,328 --> 00:40:57,404 But everyday, the headlines remind us just how far 689 00:40:57,557 --> 00:40:58,998 We still have to go. 690 00:41:00,335 --> 00:41:02,059 If we all do our part 691 00:41:02,152 --> 00:41:04,895 To continue the hard work of democracy, 692 00:41:04,989 --> 00:41:09,157 One day we can build a country where all of us 693 00:41:09,252 --> 00:41:11,677 On equal terms will be at home. 694 00:41:15,016 --> 00:41:17,642 (solemn music)