September 11, 2001What debates have arisen since 9/11 about how to

balance security while preserving American ideals?

“It was one of those moments in which history splits, and we define the

world as ‘before’ and ‘after.’”

Do Now

Listen to the eyewitness accounts from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on

the World Trade Center. Describe how you reacted when you first learned of the

attacks.

OR tell a story that you have heard

about the events of 9/11. You may have heard the story from a family member, a friend, the news, or

a documentary.

Do you, or does anyone you know, think the country

has changed because of the

events of 9/11? If so, explain.

Main Idea

• The attacks of 9/11 left Americans with a new sense of vulnerability. President Bush declared war on terrorism—at

home and abroad. The conduct of that war once again raised the challenge of balancing our founding ideals with our

desire for security.

Terrorism

What is terrorism?

The use of violence against

people or property to try and force

changes in societies or

governments

Acts of terrorism are not new

Throughout history terrorists groups

have used terror to achieve political or

social goals

IntroductionOn the morning of September 11, 2001, a passenger airplane hijacked by al Qaeda (terrorist group) crashed into the North

Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. A second plane

crashed into the South Tower just 17 minutes later.

In just two hours, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives• More than had died when 350 Japanese

bombers attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941.

• The aircraft that hit the North Tower was a jetliner with a full of fuel.

Introduction

A third hijacked

passenger jet had crashed

into the Pentagon

building near Washington,

D.C.

Soon after a fourth

hijacked plane had crashed in

Pennsylvania.

Most Americans can recall exactly

where they were when they heard the news.

Immediate Impact of 9/11

•The U.S had the most powerful military in the world.•Most Americans believed the nation to be secure from outside threats.

Many people could not

believe that terrorists could launch such a devastating

attack on U.S. soil.

•The stock markets were closed•Tunnels and bridges leading into Manhattan were shut down•Airlines canceled flights around the country for several days•Heightened security measures In towns and cities across the nation

In the aftermath of

the 9/11 attacks, many

normal activities came

to a halt, especially in

New York City.

Immediate Impact of 9/11

Despite the mood of fear and vulnerability,

9/11 also drew Americans together.

•For weeks, strangers greeted one another on the streets.•Americans also came together in groups, holding vigils and memorials for the victims of 9/11 and raising money for their families.•Firefighters traveled to Manhattan to help with the recovery effort.

The U.S Takes Action

The first step in the battle against

terrorism: identify who

was responsible for 9/11.

After a massive investigation, the U.S government determined it was Osama bin Laden (a Saudi Arabian millionaire)

The terrorists were part of the al Qaeda network

The home base for al Qaeda was Afghanistan-ruled by the strict regime Taliban

The Taliban supported the terrorist group and refused to turn in Bin Laden.

The U.S Takes Action

Safeguarding Equality

• 9/11 attacks brought back memories of the U.S. response to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor• After learning that the

terrorists were Arab Muslims, many people of Middle Eastern descent were afraid to go to work or school for fear of being singled out for attack, even if they were not Muslim.

• Bush made an effort to reassure American Muslims that they would be treated the same way as other citizens

“In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect.”

Founding Ideals

In the months and years after 9/11, the terrorists attacks would also significantly influence the nation’s approach to preserving its founding ideals.

Many citizens in the Unites States wondered:

• How can we balance ideals such as equality and liberty with our desire for security?

Activity

Placard Founding Ideal Challenges

Inside 9/11

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4