KEY TERMS Key Terms and People to Know for the Regents Exam
September 11 Attacks
On 9/11, 2001, Al Qaeda terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, killing over 3,000 Americans. The US created the Department of Homeland Security and began the “War on Terror” to try to prevent future terrorist attacks.
Patriot Act
This act made it easier for the government to conduct surveillance on suspected terrorist. This act is another example of the US limiting rights during wartime because increased surveillance can violate people’s privacy rights.
Afghanistan War
After 9/11, the US and NATO invaded Afghanistan to remove theTaliban from power and to try to capture Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda. The invasion, called Operation Enduring Freedom, is still ongoing.
Iraq War
Although Iraq was NOT connected to 9/11, George W. Bush and many Americans believed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that could be used by terrorists. The US invaded Iraq, removed Saddam Hussein from power, occupied the country for 8 years, but never found WMDs. Over 4,000 US service members and over 100,000 Iraqi civilians were killed during the conflict.