9/11: America's War on Terror

Understanding the Impact of September 11, 2001 The Global Response to Terrorism Grade 12 History

September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed America

Four coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda World Trade Center towers collapsed Pentagon attacked in Washington D.C. Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania 2,977 people killed, thousands injured

Timeline: September 11, 2001

Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden

Terrorist organization founded in 1988 Led by Osama bin Laden Motivated by extremist Islamic ideology Opposed U.S. presence in Middle East Previous attacks: USS Cole, embassy bombings

President Bush's Response

'Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts... We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.' - President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

The Bush Doctrine

Preemptive strikes against potential threats No distinction between terrorists and those who harbor them Promotion of democracy worldwide Unilateral action when necessary Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists

Operation Enduring Freedom: Afghanistan

Began October 7, 2001 Goal: Destroy al-Qaeda and remove Taliban Coalition of international forces Initial military success Long-term nation-building challenges

The Iraq War: Controversial Decision

{"left":"Claimed links between Iraq and al-Qaeda\nWeapons of Mass Destruction allegations\nSaddam Hussein's authoritarian regime\nCoalition of the Willing support","right":"No direct connection to 9/11 found\nWMDs never discovered\nLong, costly occupation\nIncreased regional instability"}

Analyzing Primary Sources

Read excerpts from the 9/11 Commission Report Examine newspaper headlines from September 12, 2001 Compare international reactions to the attacks Discuss: How did different sources frame the events?

Domestic Impact: The Patriot Act

Passed October 26, 2001 Enhanced surveillance powers Expanded detention authority Reduced judicial oversight Debate over security vs. civil liberties

Creating the Department of Homeland Security

Largest government reorganization since 1947 Combined 22 federal agencies Focus on preventing terrorist attacks Coordination of intelligence Border security and immigration

Critical Thinking Question

Was the War on Terror successful in achieving its goals? Consider: Elimination of terrorist threats Promotion of democracy Cost in lives and resources Long-term regional stability