IB History Terrorism Notes

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks (2001)

The Attacks and Immediate Impact

• On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four U.S. commercial airplanes.
• Two planes struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City, a third hit the Pentagon near Washington D.C., and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers resisted.
• Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including civilians from over 90 countries.
• The attacks symbolized both America’s vulnerability and the global reach of terrorism.

U.S. and International Response

• President George W. Bush declared a “War on Terror,” aiming to destroy terrorist networks worldwide.
• Within weeks, the U.S. and NATO invaded Afghanistan to remove the Taliban, who had sheltered al-Qaeda.
• At home, the Patriot Act (2001) expanded surveillance powers, and the Department of Homeland Security (2002) was created to coordinate national defense.
• Many Latin American and Canadian leaders supported counter-terrorism efforts, sharing intelligence and tightening border controls.

Long-Term Consequences for the Americas

• Foreign Policy:
  • U.S. interventions in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) reshaped international relations and led to prolonged conflict.
• Domestic Effects:
  • Security measures increased but raised concerns about civil liberties and discrimination against Muslims.
• Economic Impact:
  • Airline industries and tourism declined; defense and security spending grew rapidly.
• Regional Influence:
  • The attacks reinforced U.S. leadership in the hemisphere, but also caused debate over military power vs. diplomacy.