Terrorism Strikes the United States The September 11 Attacks Terrorism Strikes the United States • Terrorism -unlawful use, or threat, of force or violence: - against people or property - to intimidate, or achieve political, social aims • September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil -19 terrorists hijack four planes - Two flown into World Trade Center Towers - One flown into Pentagon - One crashes in Pennsylvania (Projected target - White House) Continued . . . NEXT

• Airplanes turns into missiles The Destruction • Airplanes turns into missiles - Towers fall & 75-foot hole in Pentagon’s west side • Almost 3,000 die in the attacks - includes 265 plane passengers - 343 New York City rescue workers • 9 New York City buildings collapse; 6 others are damaged Continued . . . NEXT

• Al-Qaeda: extremist Muslims led by Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden The Terrorists • Al-Qaeda: extremist Muslims led by Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden - global network—worldwide interconnected group - formed in Afghanistan to fight 1979 Soviet invasion - later opposed U.S. influence in Muslim lands - targeted U.S. and allies after 1991 Persian Gulf War NEXT

Aftermath of the Attacks International War on Terrorism • President George W. Bush declares war on terrorism: - new security measures - search for terrorist suspects • U.S. leads coalition (alliance) on the war on terrorism - Canada, China, Britain, Pakistan, Russia, and others International War on Terrorism • War on Terrorism -military action in Afghanistan, October 2001 - Ruling Taliban removed, al-Qaeda overthrown • March 2003 - Operation Enduring Freedom - claims dictator Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, overthrows the regime by May 2003 Continued . . . NEXT

• New airport security measures Homeland Security • New airport security measures • Extra safety precautions at public places • nuclear power plants, water supply extra security • Department of Homeland Security is created NEXT

Terrorist Operations and Weapons Facing Terrorist Threats Terrorist Operations and Weapons • Terrorists act in secret, move between countries - some want territory, like Palestinian extremists - some oppose government policies, like Oklahoma City bombers • Could use biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons - biological weapons—bacteria, viruses that harm or kill people, animals Balancing Security and Freedom • U.S. and allies fight terrorism on two fronts: - breaking up terrorist groups - increasing security • Challenge for democratic countries: - keep citizens safe while preserving freedom and individual rights NEXT