Terrorism

The calculated use of violence (or threat of violence) in order to attain political, religious, or

ideological goals.

Types of Terrorism

• State Terrorism – terrorism by a gov’t

• State Sponsored Terrorism – terrorism supported by a gov’t

• Religious Terrorism – terrorism supported/promoted for religious reasons

• Ecoterrorism – terrorism supported/promoted for environmental reasons

Turning Point in Terrorism

• 1972 Olympics – Munich, Germany– Black September (a Palestinian group) holds

Israeli athletes hostage in the Olympic village.• Goal was to end Israeli occupation of Palestinian

land

17 people are killed (11 Israelis, 5 Palestinians, 1 German police officer)

1st time a terrorist act is viewed worldwide live on T.V.

U.S. and Terrorism

• 1993 - 1st World Trade Center Bombing (1000+ casualties)

• 1995 – Oklahoma City Bombing (800+ casualties)

• 1995 – Unabomber (26 casualties)• 1996 – Centennial Olympic Park Bombing (112

casualties) • 2001 – Anthrax Letters (5 killed)• 2002 – D.C. Sniper Shootings (16 killed)• 2009 – Holocaust Museum Shooting (1 killed)

September 11, 2001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oOW-1OwtCA&feature=related

Why the U.S.?

• The U.S. has been accused of being imperialists.– ‘Americanizing’ the rest of the world– Promoting an immoral culture– Being pushy as the world’s only superpower

Impacts/Results of Terrorism on the U.S.

• Are we losing constitutional rights and civil liberties? (p23)

- Patriot Act – gov’t can search any form of communication or record (financial, medical) for evidence of terrorism

• Immigration?

• Trade?

• Treatment of suspected terrorists?