Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Primary Major
History
Second Major
Biology
Thesis Advisor
Jordan Lieser, PhD
Abstract
On September 11, 2001 (9/11), a coordinated Islamist terrorist attack hit the United States, consisting of four commercial airline hijackings and suicide attacks by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group, Al-Qaeda. This paper identifies the significant and enduring influences of 9/11 on the United States including discrimination against people of Middle Eastern descent following the attack, a connection between the events of 9/11 and the enhanced interrogation techniques at the Abu Ghraib prison, and a surge in patriotism characterized by a sense of public solidarity and a notable rise in military enlistment in the Armed Forces. Through an examination of the historiography, government reports, and testimonials from soldiers and detainees at Abu Gharib, the collected data reveals a deeper understanding of the discrimination found within the United States and the unwarranted torturing at Abu Gharib. Furthermore, the legacy of 9/11 is enhanced by a more scientific understanding of patriotism, measured by an increase of American flags displayed outside of homes, freeway overpasses, car antennas, etc., and the profound transformation of U.S. public opinion and public unity in hopes of rebuilding a divided and broken country. Analyzing these post-9/11 outcomes supports the future development of effective strategies for counterterrorism, policy, legal reforms, international relations, combating racial discrimination, and increasing the active engagement of individuals toward their nation.