The 2000s
9/11 Attacks
Even though you were not old enough to fully understand what happened on September 11, 2001, you likely are aware of this momentous day in American history, which is often referred to as 9/11. In this interactivity, you will learn about the terrorist attacks and view powerful images to help you understand how Americans banded together to rebound from the devastation. Click the player button to begin.
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Responses to the Terrorist Attacks
In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the nation had to take measures to demonstrate its role in fighting domestic and international terrorism. Before you explore policy changes that occurred in the United States in the 2000s, take a moment to gauge your own reaction to the terrorist attacks. Click the player button to begin.
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The Establishment of Terrorism
As depicted in the picture to the right, the 9/11 attacks caused grave destruction and showed the impact terrorism could have on a nation. Since the war against terrorism began, various terrorist groups have emerged. For example, ISIS was formed in 2004 to combat the United States when it was fighting in Iraq. This group was allied with Al Qaeda until 2014; and in fact, initially was named Al Qaeda in Iraq. Like Al Qaeda, ISIS aims to establish an Islamic state, called a caliphate, by using violence against Americans and citizens of other Western nations, as well as Muslims who are considered not extreme enough. The two terrorist groups differ in that ISIS has proven more successful in taking over territories, including areas from northern Syria to central Iraq. The group is also more militaristic than most terrorist establishments, funds itself, and governs its territories through the use of taxes, extortion, theft, and selling oil. In addition, ISIS has successfully recruited some Americans and Westerners to join their fight.
As a result of extremist groups who target Westerners through violence, some Americans have developed anti-Muslim sentiments. Through the video Facing Muslim Stereotypes after September 11 from eMediaVASM, you will discover the impacts stereotypes have on American Muslims through the eyes of Sheik Yasir Qadhi. Do you believe these widespread negative sentiments are appropriate? What responsibility do Americans have to support the safety of all U.S. citizens, regardless of their faith?
George W. Bush
President George W. Bush's two terms as the forty-third president lasted from 2001 to 2009. His presidency was marked by a deep commitment to stopping terrorism and a domestic effort to change the tax code and improve education. Bush's presidency changed dramatically after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In response to those attacks, President Bush launched the War or Terror, which used diplomatic and military efforts to combat terrorists. He led the United States into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. At home, Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law and approved broad tax cuts. In this interactivity, you will learn how the policies of the United States changed with the presidency of George W. Bush. Click the player button to begin.
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Barack Obama
President Barack Obama served two terms as the forty-fourth president from 2009 to 2016. He was the first African American to be elected as the President of the United States. Obama's presidency was marked by economic recovery, a significant change in healthcare, and a slowing of the war on terror. In this interactivity, you will learn how the United States' policy changed with the presidency of Barack Obama. Click the player button to begin.
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Through his extreme tactics, Osama bin Laden led Al Qaeda toward its goal of eliminating Western influence in Muslim countries. Because of the threat bin Laden posed to the world, President Barack Obama had to make difficult decisions about how the nation would fight terrorism. Discover how and why Obama decided to assassinate the Al Qaeda leader through the video Obama Administration's Covert Operations to Find Bin Laden from eMediaVASM.
Donald J. Trump
On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump became the forty-fifth President of the United States. Prior to his political debut during the 2016 presidential election against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Trump was known for his wealth and success as a real estate developer. He also produced and hosted a television series called The Apprentice and has written various books, including The Art of the Deal.
Shortly after he took office, President Trump began working towards fulfilling several of his campaign promises. In the first eight months of his leadership, for example, the Trump Administration focused on repealing various aspects of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Due to the complex nature of healthcare, however, Republicans and Democrats continue to debate what is appropriate for the future policy. Since the start of his presidential campaign, Trump has also expressed wanting to implement harder laws against undocumented immigration. This includes deporting millions of people currently living in the United States, ending sanctuary cities, and building a wall between Mexico and the United States. Similarly, President Trump wants to enact a travel ban to stop the refugee program, and temporarily ban citizens of majority-Muslim countries from traveling to the United States. This executive order initially included Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. In a revision to the travel ban, Iraq was removed from the list, as well as green card holders and individuals with a valid visa. Another focus of President Trump relates to a hiring freeze on federal employees, with the exception of military members, which Trump hopes to grow, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs Border Protection. Additionally, President Trump's foreign policy places a high priority on combating ISIS and other terrorist groups.
To stay updated on Trump's actions and policies throughout his presidency, visit information disseminated by the White House.
The 2000s Review
Now that you have explored the 2000s, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click on the player button to get started.