September 11 attacks

Definition

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, targeting key symbols of American power and influence. The attacks involved the hijacking of four commercial airliners, two of which were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing their collapse, while another struck the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control. These events dramatically shifted global security policies and initiated significant changes in emergency alert systems and communication protocols.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The September 11 attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and were the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
2. The attacks led to the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded law enforcement's surveillance capabilities.
3. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) played a crucial role in coordinating response efforts after the attacks.
4. Following September 11, there was a significant increase in security measures at airports and public buildings across the United States.
5. The events of September 11 prompted global changes in counter-terrorism policies and led to military actions in Afghanistan.

Review Questions

• How did the September 11 attacks influence changes in emergency alert systems across the United States?
  • The September 11 attacks highlighted vulnerabilities in communication and emergency alert systems, leading to significant upgrades in infrastructure. The establishment of protocols within the Emergency Alert System (EAS) became crucial to ensure timely communication during crises. This incident demonstrated the need for immediate alerts to inform the public about potential threats, resulting in a reevaluation of how information is disseminated during emergencies.
• Discuss the role of Homeland Security established after September 11 and its impact on public safety measures.
  • The creation of Homeland Security was a direct response to the September 11 attacks, aimed at enhancing national security against future threats. This department centralized various federal agencies focused on counter-terrorism and emergency management, leading to more coordinated efforts in public safety. The impact included increased funding for local law enforcement, better training for emergency responders, and a comprehensive strategy for crisis management that significantly shaped how security is approached in public spaces.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the September 11 attacks on global counter-terrorism policies and international relations.
  • The September 11 attacks had profound long-term effects on global counter-terrorism policies and international relations. Nations around the world adopted stricter security measures and improved intelligence sharing to combat terrorism. The U.S. led military interventions in Afghanistan as part of its War on Terror, affecting geopolitical dynamics and alliances. These actions sparked debates over civil liberties versus security and set a precedent for international responses to terrorism that continues to influence diplomatic relations today.

Related terms

al-Qaeda: A militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s, known for orchestrating various terrorist attacks, including those on September 11.

Homeland Security: A U.S. government department created in response to the September 11 attacks, responsible for protecting the nation from terrorist threats and ensuring public safety.

Emergency Alert System (EAS):

A national public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems, and certain wireline providers to provide the President with a communications capability to address the American people during a national emergency.