Al-Qaeda and ISIS AP History Quiz

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌍 Al-Qaeda: Founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, primarily focused on targeting the United States and establishing a global Islamic caliphate. Notable for the 9/11 attacks.
• ⚔️ ISIS: Emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in the early 2010s, with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declaring himself caliph. Aimed to establish and expand a physical caliphate in Iraq and Syria.
• 🎯 Goals: Al-Qaeda aimed to weaken Western influence and support for existing governments in Muslim-majority countries. ISIS aimed to create an immediate, territorially-based caliphate governed by strict Islamic law.
• 🗺️ Territory: Al-Qaeda operates as a decentralized network across multiple regions. ISIS controlled significant territory in Iraq and Syria at its peak.
• 🤝 Alliances: Al-Qaeda has traditionally worked with other Islamist groups. ISIS has often clashed with other groups, including al-Qaeda affiliates.
• 📰 Propaganda: Al-Qaeda's propaganda focused on long-term goals and historical grievances. ISIS used social media to broadcast brutal acts and recruit fighters to their caliphate.
• 💀 Leadership: Osama bin Laden was the prominent leader of al-Qaeda until his death in 2011. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi led ISIS until his death in 2019.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes al-Qaeda's primary goal?
   1. Establishing a physical caliphate in Iraq and Syria.
   2. Weakening Western influence and supporting Islamic governments.
   3. Promoting secular democracy in the Middle East.
   4. Engaging in humanitarian aid and development projects.
2. What was the main objective of ISIS when it initially emerged?
   1. Forming a global network of charitable organizations.
   2. Creating and expanding a territorially-based caliphate.
   3. Promoting interfaith dialogue with Christian communities.
   4. Supporting moderate political parties in the Middle East.
3. Who was the founder and long-time leader of al-Qaeda?
   1. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
   2. Ayman al-Zawahiri
   3. Osama bin Laden
   4. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
4. Which of the following is a key difference between al-Qaeda and ISIS in terms of territorial control?
   1. Al-Qaeda controlled significant territory in Europe, while ISIS did not.
   2. ISIS controlled significant territory in Iraq and Syria, while al-Qaeda operates as a decentralized network.
   3. Both organizations focused solely on online propaganda and had no territorial ambitions.
   4. Al-Qaeda focused on Southeast Asia, while ISIS concentrated on North Africa.
5. How did ISIS primarily utilize propaganda to achieve its goals?
   1. By focusing on long-term goals and historical grievances.
   2. By promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
   3. By using social media to broadcast brutal acts and recruit fighters.
   4. By establishing educational programs and schools.
6. Which leader declared the establishment of the Islamic State (ISIS)?
   1. Osama bin Laden
   2. Ayman al-Zawahiri
   3. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
   4. Hassan Nasrallah
7. What is a key difference in the alliances formed by Al-Qaeda and ISIS?
   1. Al-Qaeda refused to work with any other Islamist groups.
   2. ISIS has traditionally worked with other Islamist groups.
   3. Al-Qaeda has traditionally worked with other Islamist groups while ISIS has often clashed with other groups, including al-Qaeda affiliates.
   4. Both groups only worked with secular governments.