APUSH: Period 9, 1980-Present - 9/11 and the War on Terror, Afghanistan, Iraq War

Why This Matters

The 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror are pivotal events in modern American history, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and national identity. This topic is essential for understanding the larger period of American history, as it highlights the complexities of American power, the consequences of military intervention, and the ongoing struggle for global security. The War on Terror also serves as a prime example of the AP theme of Politics and Power, demonstrating how the executive branch can wield significant authority in times of crisis.

Key Events & People

• 9/11 Attacks (2001): Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and a significant shift in American foreign policy.
• George W. Bush (2001-2009): The 43rd President of the United States, Bush launched the War on Terror and authorized the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Osama bin Laden (d. 2011): The founder and leader of al-Qaeda, bin Laden orchestrated the 9/11 attacks and became the primary target of the War on Terror.
• The Patriot Act (2001): A law passed in response to 9/11, expanding surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies and raising concerns about civil liberties.
• Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014): The military operation in Afghanistan aimed at defeating al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011): The military operation in Iraq, launched by the United States and its allies, aimed at removing Saddam Hussein from power.
• Saddam Hussein (d. 2006): The former President of Iraq, Hussein was toppled by the US-led invasion in 2003.
• Hamid Karzai (2001-2014): The President of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, Karzai played a key role in the country's post-Taliban government.
• Abu Ghraib Prison Abuse (2004): A scandal involving the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by US military personnel at Abu Ghraib prison.
• The Surge (2007-2008): A military strategy implemented by General David Petraeus to increase troop levels in Iraq and reduce violence.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The 9/11 attacks created a sense of national crisis and fear, leading to a shift in American foreign policy.
• Effect: The War on Terror, launched in response to 9/11, resulted in the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Long-term consequence: The War on Terror contributed to ongoing instability in the Middle East and a significant increase in US military spending.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Terrorism*: The use of violence and intimidation to achieve political or ideological goals. Example: The 9/11 attacks were a terrorist attack on American soil.
• *Insurgency*: A prolonged armed conflict against a government or occupying power. Example: The insurgency in Iraq following the US-led invasion.
• *Counterinsurgency*: A military strategy aimed at defeating an insurgency. Example: The US military's counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan.
• *Surveillance*: The monitoring of individuals or groups for security or intelligence purposes. Example: The Patriot Act expanded surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies.
• *Occupation*: The control of a territory or country by a foreign power. Example: The US-led occupation of Iraq following the invasion.
• *Nation-building*: The process of creating a stable and functional government in a post-conflict country. Example: The US effort to build a stable government in Afghanistan.
• *Guantánamo Bay*: A US naval base in Cuba where detainees from the War on Terror were held. Example: The controversy surrounding the detention of prisoners at Guantánamo Bay.
• *Homeland Security*: A US government agency responsible for protecting the country from terrorist threats. Example: The creation of the Department of Homeland Security in response to 9/11.
• *Drones*: Unmanned aerial vehicles used for military or surveillance purposes. Example: The use of drones in the War on Terror, particularly in Pakistan and Yemen.
• *Torture*: The use of physical or psychological coercion to extract information from prisoners. Example: The controversy surrounding the use of torture at Abu Ghraib prison.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The 9/11 attacks occurred in 2002. Correction: The 9/11 attacks occurred on September 11, 2001.
• What students often get wrong: The US invasion of Iraq was in response to the 9/11 attacks. Correction: The US invasion of Iraq was actually in response to concerns about Saddam Hussein's WMD program and alleged ties to terrorism.
• What students often get wrong: The War on Terror has resulted in a significant decrease in terrorism worldwide. Correction: The War on Terror has actually contributed to an increase in terrorism and instability in the Middle East.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the War on Terror on American foreign policy and national identity. Be sure to include specific examples from the topic, such as the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the use of drones in military operations. Evidence: The 9/11 attacks, the Patriot Act, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the use of drones in Pakistan and Yemen.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the effectiveness of the US military strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq. Be sure to include specific examples from the topic, such as the surge in Iraq and the use of counterinsurgency tactics in Afghanistan. Evidence: The surge in Iraq, the use of counterinsurgency tactics in Afghanistan, and the impact of the War on Terror on US military spending.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the controversy surrounding the use of torture in the War on Terror. Be sure to include specific examples from the topic, such as the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal. Evidence: The Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, the use of torture at Guantánamo Bay, and the controversy surrounding the use of enhanced interrogation techniques.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary target of the War on Terror? Answer: Osama bin Laden Explanation: Bin Laden was the founder and leader of al-Qaeda and was responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
2. What was the name of the US military operation in Afghanistan? Answer: Operation Enduring Freedom Explanation: The operation was launched in response to the 9/11 attacks and aimed at defeating al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
3. What was the name of the US law passed in response to 9/11? Answer: The Patriot Act Explanation: The law expanded surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies and raised concerns about civil liberties.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The 9/11 attacks occurred on September 11, 2001.
• The War on Terror was launched in response to the 9/11 attacks.
• Operation Enduring Freedom was the US military operation in Afghanistan.
• The surge in Iraq was a military strategy implemented by General David Petraeus.
• The Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal involved the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by US military personnel.
• The US invasion of Iraq was in response to concerns about Saddam Hussein's WMD program and alleged ties to terrorism.
• The Department of Homeland Security was created in response to 9/11.
• Drones have been used in the War on Terror, particularly in Pakistan and Yemen.
• Torture has been a controversy surrounding the War on Terror, particularly at Abu Ghraib prison and Guantánamo Bay.
• The War on Terror has resulted in ongoing instability in the Middle East and a significant increase in US military spending.