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The United States and Canada. Part 6 Terrorism. The World’s Lone Superpower.
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The United Statesand Canada Part 6 Terrorism
The World’s Lone Superpower As the United States entered the 20th century, it was not only an economic giant, but took its place as a military power as well. After defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the nation now had colonies, and military bases around the world.
In both World Wars of the century, the United States started out as an unwilling participant. Many Americans wanted to remain NEUTRAL in both conflicts. There was a strong sense of ISOLATIONISMthat gripped most citizens—people thought we should stay out of world affairs. In both instances it remained impossible for a country as large as ours to avoid the conflicts.
After World War II, the United States and the former Soviet Union became bitter rivals. This tense period from 1945-1990, was known as the COLD WAR. (Some historians call it WWIII.) Trillions of dollars were spent by both sides to build up their military forces, and to try and promote their economic ideas of CAPITALISM and COMMUNISM.
In a society that uses CAPITALISM, people are free to start their own businesses, and be creative. It is also competitive. What is produced is based on what consumers want. It can be risky, with chances to become very wealthy or to become bankrupt. It is a freer society.
Under COMMUNISM, the government controls natural resources, and the means of production such as factories. They decide what will be produced. Some people may feel secure with the government taking care of them. However, choices and freedom are limited.
Throughout the world, the U. S. supported and aided countries that wanted democracy, while the Soviet Union wanted to see communism spread. Tense wars in places like Korea and Vietnam took place, but the two powers never directly fought. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the U. S. was left as the world’s most powerful nation.
Terrorism – Why? • Many Americans ask why do some people hate America and what we stand for. • For most of America’s history, we felt pretty safe with two huge oceans on our borders, and relatively good relations with other countries in the Western Hemisphere.
With the role the U. S. took on after World War II as the “world’s policeman”, it is inevitable there would be enemies made. • Some countries and people resent the power and influence of our country. • Radical Muslims especially hate our way of life, and consider those who do not share their beliefs to be INFIDELS who can be killed.
In 1983, a suicide bomber killed 241 marines in Beirut, Lebanon.
The 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 killed 259 in the air, and 11 on the ground.
1993 World Trade Center Bombing The first bombing killed 6 people and injured 1,042
The Khobar Towers bombing killed 19 Americans in Saudi Arabia in 1996.
In 1998, two African embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, claimed the lives of hundreds.
The U.S.S. Cole bombing in October 2000 killed 17 American sailors.
The World Trade Center towers were once the tallest buildings on earth. They were a symbol of America’s economic strength. An attempt to bring them down in 1993 had been unsuccessful.
On the morning of Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, one plane had already hit the North Tower. Here another plane slams into the South Tower.
With no chance for rescue above the crash impact zones, some people made a horrible choice.
Although it was hit second, the South Tower on the left had more damage, and the structure became weak.
The South Tower Collapses
The North Tower Collapses
A church and cemetery near the World Trade Center site.
A flag is found in the rubble of the ruined World Trade Center.
The Pentagon has been a symbol of America’s military might since World War II.
A fourth plane, heading for Washington, crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers fought back.
The likely target for the fourth plane, was the U. S. Capitol building, a major political symbol of our country.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U. S. attacked Afghanistan, a nation known to harbor terrorists linked to the attacks, including Osama bin Laden. • The government of that nation was replaced, and Iraq, which was believed to have weapons of mass destruction was next. • Some feel that this war has been ineffective, while others are hoping a stable, democratic country in the Middle East will be a great benefit.
With the spread of radical Islam, and the lack of willingness by most other countries to do anything about it, the U. S. is facing some critical choices.Also in the 21st century, as China emerges as an economic and military giant, we will need to maintain relations with them. We will also continue to work on DOMESTIC ISSUES, or those here at home. ARE YOU READY??? Are You Ready?
