Student Article

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, shocked the world and changed America’s direction.

The attacks and their impact on America

On that day, two planes hit the World Trade Center in New York, another crashed into the Pentagon, and a fourth was brought down by passengers before reaching its target. This event marked the beginning of the "war on terror" and reshaped U.S. foreign policy. The world watched as President George W. Bush was informed about the attacks while reading with children in Florida. For many, this moment symbolized America’s vulnerability and the start of a new chapter in history.

America’s new role after 9/11

Before 9/11, the United States was the world’s dominant power, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. But the attacks exposed new global threats. In the aftermath, America focused on eliminating terrorism.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq

The U.S. began military operations in Afghanistan, to defeat the Taliban, as well as in Iraq based on their claims of weapons of mass destruction. Despite initial victories, these wars turned out to be long and costly, with no clear end in sight.

A new global order after 9/11

The 9/11 attacks also led to major changes in security measures worldwide, especially in air travel. Today, the world continues to feel the impact of these events, from the ongoing struggles in the Middle East to the rise of new global challenges. America's position in global politics has evolved, but the consequences of 9/11 still shape international relations.

© David Reynolds / www.historyextra.com