15.1 September 11 Attacks and Immediate Aftermath

The September 11 attacks shook America to its core. Four hijacked planes crashed into iconic targets, killing nearly 3,000 people. The nation reeled from shock and grief, while the government scrambled to respond to this unprecedented act of terrorism.

In the aftermath, the U.S. launched the War on Terror. This global campaign aimed to prevent future attacks and dismantle terrorist networks. At home, new agencies and laws reshaped national security, sparking debates about the balance between safety and civil liberties.

The September 11 Attacks and Immediate Aftermath

Events and impact of 9/11

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• 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes on the morning of September 11, 2001
  • Two planes crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City (American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175)
  • One plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia (American Airlines Flight 77)
  • One plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control (United Airlines Flight 93)
• The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, including the 19 terrorist hijackers
  • 2,753 people killed in New York City, including 343 firefighters and 60 police officers
  • 184 people killed at the Pentagon
  • 40 passengers and crew members killed on United Airlines Flight 93
• Widespread shock, grief, and fear across the United States in the immediate aftermath
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all flights, U.S. airspace closed for several days
  • Many businesses and schools closed, major events postponed or canceled
  • Significant economic downturn, with the New York Stock Exchange remaining closed until September 17

Reactions to 9/11 attacks

• U.S. government responded domestically by creating the Department of Homeland Security and passing the USA PATRIOT Act
  • Department of Homeland Security established to coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks
  • USA PATRIOT Act expanded law enforcement and intelligence agencies' surveillance and investigative powers
• President George W. Bush declared a "War on Terror" and authorized military action against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan
  • U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom on October 7, 2001, targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan
• Many countries expressed solidarity with the United States and offered support internationally
  • NATO invoked Article 5 of its charter, stating that the attack on the U.S. was an attack on all NATO members
  • United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1368, condemning the attacks and recognizing the right of self-defense

The War on Terror and Changes in U.S. National Security

Concept of War on Terror

• Broad, international military campaign led by the United States to combat terrorism and terrorist organizations
  • Aimed to prevent future terrorist attacks and dismantle terrorist networks, particularly al-Qaeda
  • Led to U.S. military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries
• Significant implications for U.S. foreign policy
  • Increased cooperation with allies in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts
  • U.S. adopted a more proactive and preemptive approach to addressing perceived threats
  • Focus on counterterrorism sometimes strained relationships with countries that did not fully support U.S. policies

Changes in national security

• Several changes to national security policies and practices implemented after 9/11
  • Department of Homeland Security created to coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks
  • USA PATRIOT Act expanded law enforcement and intelligence agencies' surveillance and investigative powers
  • Airport security measures significantly enhanced, including the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Changes raised concerns about civil liberties and privacy
  • Critics argued expanded surveillance powers under the USA PATRIOT Act could lead to abuse and infringements on individual rights
  • Use of enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, on terrorist suspects was controversial and sparked debates about the balance between national security and human rights
• Emphasis on counterterrorism led to increased government secrecy and reduced transparency
  • Government invoked the state secrets privilege more frequently to prevent disclosure of sensitive information in court cases related to national security