1. “It was one of those moments in which history splits, and we define the world as ‘before’ and ‘after.’”
September 11, 2001
What debates have arisen since 9/11 about how to balance security while preserving American ideals?

2. Describe how you reacted when you first learned of the attacks.
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.

3. 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.

4. Acts of terrorism are not new
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

5. Introduction
On 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.

6. Soon after a fourth hijacked plane had crashed in Pennsylvania.
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.

7. Immediate Impact of 9/11
Many people could not believe that terrorists could launch such a devastating attack on U.S. soil.
The U.S had the most powerful military in the world.
Most Americans believed the nation to be secure from outside threats.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, many normal activities came to a halt, especially in New York City.
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

8. 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.

9. The terrorists were part of the al Qaeda network
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.

10. Prevention of future terrorist attacks at home.
The U.S Takes Action
The Bush administration devised a two-pronged strategy to cope with the threat of terrorism and keep the country safe.
The war on terrorism
Called for aggressive military action abroad to combat perceived terrorist threats.
This approach led to the lengthy and controversial wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Prevention of future terrorist attacks at home.
Like the wars abroad, these domestic security measures aroused controversy.
Bush's Post 9/11 Speech

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

12. Many citizens in the Unites States wondered:
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?
Examine the primary and secondary sources around the room to understand why the government’s response to the events of 9/11 have led to debates about how to balance national security with America’s founding ideals.
In your notebook, identify which placards relate to each of the founding ideals and describe the challenges the nation faced in preserving those ideals. Do you think the founding ideal was preserved in the aftermath of 9/11?

13. Activity
Placard
Founding Ideal
Challenges

14. Inside 9/11
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4