September 11, 2001

Definition

September 11, 2001, is the date of a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States, resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City and significant damage to the Pentagon. This pivotal event marked a turning point in American foreign and domestic policy, leading to a global response against terrorism and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. On September 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists; two were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control.
2. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and significant economic impact, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life.
3. In response to the attacks, President George W. Bush launched the War on Terror, which included military action in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
4. The September 11 attacks led to heightened security measures across the globe, including increased airport security and surveillance practices, as well as changes in immigration policies.
5. The formation of the Department of Homeland Security was a direct outcome of the attacks, focusing on coordinating federal efforts to prevent terrorism and respond to national emergencies.

Review Questions

• How did the events of September 11, 2001, change U.S. foreign policy?
  • The events of September 11, 2001, significantly altered U.S. foreign policy by shifting its focus towards counterterrorism and military intervention. The immediate response involved launching the War on Terror, which included military action in Afghanistan aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power. This marked a new era in American foreign relations characterized by preemptive strikes and a commitment to combat global terrorism.
• What were some of the immediate domestic responses following the September 11 attacks?
  • In the aftermath of September 11, there were several immediate domestic responses aimed at enhancing national security. This included the implementation of stricter airport security measures and increased surveillance both domestically and internationally. Additionally, new legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act was enacted to expand law enforcement's powers in combating terrorism, fundamentally changing civil liberties considerations in America.
• Evaluate how September 11, 2001, reshaped global politics and international relations in the early 21st century.
  • The events of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on global politics and international relations by catalyzing a broad coalition against terrorism that included military interventions and diplomatic efforts across multiple nations. The rise of anti-terrorism alliances transformed relationships between countries previously viewed as adversaries or non-aligned states. Furthermore, this period saw a focus on issues such as security collaboration, intelligence sharing among nations, and a shift towards dealing with non-state actors in international conflicts, which continues to influence global diplomacy today.

Related terms

al-Qaeda: A militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for orchestrating the September 11 attacks and other terrorist acts worldwide.

War on Terror:

An international military campaign launched by the United States in response to the September 11 attacks aimed at eliminating terrorist groups and preventing future attacks.

Homeland Security: A U.S. government department created after September 11, 2001, to coordinate efforts to protect the nation from terrorism and respond to emergencies.