September 11 attacks

Definition

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist strikes carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, resulting in the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and significant damage to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. This event marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, leading to profound changes in national security policies and initiating the War on Terror.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. On September 11, 2001, four commercial airliners were hijacked by terrorists; two were flown into the Twin Towers, one crashed into the Pentagon, and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened.
2. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the attacks, making it one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in history.
3. The attacks prompted immediate U.S. military action against Afghanistan, where the Taliban was harboring al-Qaeda operatives.
4. The Department of Homeland Security was established in November 2002 to coordinate national efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and enhance security measures.
5. The September 11 attacks had lasting impacts on U.S. foreign policy, national security laws like the USA PATRIOT Act, and led to increased surveillance and security measures domestically.

Review Questions

• How did the September 11 attacks change U.S. foreign policy?
  • The September 11 attacks significantly altered U.S. foreign policy by shifting its focus towards combating terrorism on a global scale. The U.S. launched military operations in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. This marked a departure from previous foreign policy approaches, as counter-terrorism became a primary objective, influencing U.S. relations with various countries and leading to interventions in multiple regions deemed threats.
• What role did al-Qaeda play in orchestrating the September 11 attacks, and how did this influence global perceptions of terrorism?
  • Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, played a crucial role in planning and executing the September 11 attacks, which showcased their capability to strike high-profile targets in the United States. This act not only highlighted vulnerabilities within U.S. security but also shifted global perceptions of terrorism as a more immediate and pressing threat. The attacks inspired other extremist groups and changed how governments around the world approached counter-terrorism efforts.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the September 11 attacks on American society and civil liberties.
  • The September 11 attacks led to significant changes in American society and civil liberties, often sparking debates over national security versus personal freedoms. Legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act expanded government surveillance capabilities but raised concerns about privacy rights and civil liberties violations. The societal impact included heightened security measures at airports and public spaces, as well as increased scrutiny of certain ethnic communities, leading to discussions about discrimination and civil rights in post-9/11 America.

Related terms

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

War on Terror: A global military campaign launched by the United States and its allies aimed at combating terrorism, particularly targeting al-Qaeda and its affiliates following the September 11 attacks.

Homeland Security: A cabinet department created in response to the September 11 attacks, focused on safeguarding the United States from terrorist threats and responding to natural disasters.