One of the most devastating attacks ever to occur on United States soil in American history happened on September 11, 2001. 19 terrorists linked to the Al-Qaeda (an Islamic extremist group) took control of 4 commercial airplanes. The planes were filled with everyday Americans. Three of the planes hit their target and one plane crashed before reaching its target. Two of the aircraft were crashed into the World Trade Center towers resulting in their complete destruction and the death of over 2,000 people. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon building resulting in the death of 125 people. This is event is commonly referred to as just September 11th or 9-11. The 9 signifying the month of September and the 11 for the day of the month. This single event has had a lasting effect. The U.S. military engaged in two wars (Iraq and Afghanistan) as a result. The purpose of Afghanistan war was to dismantle the group responsible for the attacks. The military entered Iraq to depose the standing President Saddam Hussein who was suspected of creating weapons of mass destruction, which was never proven. A number of federal agencies and departments were created to clamp down immigration into America which was seen as a way to secure local communities from the threat of terrorism. The United States air travel system has ramped up airport security to levels never seen before.

Students will explore events prior to and after the attacks occurred. The readings will help students better understand the mindset of people and the culture at the time. We will also look into the people and organization that was behind the attacks. The worksheets start by introducing the attacks and the response by the U.S. government. We look at the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Patriot Act, and a nation against terrorism.