๐ Understanding the War on Terror
The War on Terror, also known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), is a term used to describe the international military campaign launched by the United States government after the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. It aimed to defeat al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.
๐ History and Background
The attacks of 9/11 served as the catalyst for the War on Terror. President George W. Bush declared a global war against terrorism, initially focusing on al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which had provided safe haven to the group. The scope of the war later expanded to include other countries and terrorist groups deemed a threat to the United States and its allies.
- ๐๏ธ September 11, 2001: Al-Qaeda terrorists hijack four airplanes, crashing them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
- ๐๏ธ September 20, 2001: President George W. Bush addresses the nation, declaring a "war on terror."
- ๐ช October 7, 2001: The U.S. and its allies launch Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
- ๐ฎ๐ถ March 20, 2003: The U.S. and its allies invade Iraq, initiating Operation Iraqi Freedom.
๐ Key Principles and Objectives
The War on Terror was guided by several key principles:
- ๐ฏ Defeating terrorist organizations: Primarily al-Qaeda and its affiliates.
- ๐ก๏ธ Preventing the spread of terrorism: Disrupting terrorist networks and preventing the establishment of new safe havens.
- ๐ Promoting democracy: Supporting democratic reforms in countries considered vulnerable to terrorism.
- ๐ค International cooperation: Working with allies to combat terrorism on a global scale.
๐ Key Primary Sources for APUSH Research
Here are some essential primary sources for researching the War on Terror for your APUSH studies:
- ๐ 9/11 Commission Report: The official report on the events leading up to the September 11 attacks. It provides a detailed account of the intelligence failures and systemic issues that contributed to the attacks. (Link to Report)
- ๐ฃ๏ธ George W. Bush's Address to the Nation on 9/11: A crucial speech that defined the immediate response and set the tone for the War on Terror. Analyze his rhetoric and how it shaped public opinion. (Link to Speech)
- ๐ The National Security Strategy of the United States (2002): This document outlines the Bush administration's strategic vision for combating terrorism and promoting American interests in the world. It articulates the doctrine of preemption. (Link to Document)
- ๐ฐ Contemporary News Articles: The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other major news outlets provided extensive coverage of the War on Terror. Search their archives for articles, photographs, and editorials from the period.
- โ๏ธ Personal Accounts: First-hand accounts from soldiers, victims, and civilians affected by the War on Terror offer valuable insights into the human impact of the conflict. These can often be found in oral history projects and archives.
- ๐ Military Documents: Declassified military documents, such as after-action reports and strategic plans, provide valuable information about the military operations conducted during the War on Terror.
- โ๏ธ Legal Documents: Documents related to the Patriot Act and other legislation passed in response to 9/11 are critical for understanding the legal and political context of the War on Terror.
๐ก Tips for Analyzing Primary Sources
- ๐ค Consider the author's perspective: Who created the source, and what were their biases or motivations?
- ๐๏ธ Analyze the historical context: What events were happening at the time the source was created?
- ๐ Look for evidence of bias: Does the source present a particular viewpoint or agenda?
- โ๏ธ Compare multiple sources: How do different sources corroborate or contradict each other?
๐ Conclusion
By utilizing these primary sources and employing critical analysis skills, you can gain a deeper understanding of the War on Terror and its lasting impact on American history and foreign policy. Good luck with your APUSH research!