Reactions to September 11, 2001A picture is worth a thousand words. . .

By Jay Higginbotham

Rationale for LessonIt is important for students in a 10th

grade U.S. history class to realize the important implications of the Attack on American on 9/11, and to understand the different reactions from society to the attack.

An interesting way to understand societal reactions are to view the illustrations that created to explain society’s perspectives.

Objectives for the lesson...

The students will be able to explain how these illustrations show the different reactions from our society to 9/11.

The students will understand the implications of the illustrators perspective.

The students will demonstrate a knowledge of the important effects of the Attack on America on the United States.

Student Activities

Materials needed: Notebook, Pencil, and a Brain

The illustrations will be given a heading for you to write down in your notebook

After viewing a illustration, write down what you think it is trying to express.

Then listen as the teacher explains the illustration and then takes notes on the heading, and what the picture represents.

Another day of Infamy. . .

Another day of Infamy

Many made comparisons between Pearl Harbor and the Attack on 9/11.

Both attacks came at suprising moments without provocation.

Both attacks caused great terror among U.S. citizens and led to war.

An Act of War. . .

An Act of War

The same day that we were attacked President Bush called this an act of war.

However, soon after the attacks many were asking with whom we were at war.

The act of terrorism was carried out by a seemingly faceless enemy.

National Defense/ U.S. Intelligence. . .

National Defense/ U.S. Intelligence

Most people were stunned that our nation’s military/intelligence community was unprepared for this new terrorism.

Many in government, and regular citizens became critical of U.S. policies regarding defense and intelligence.

Hate Crimes/ Racial Profiling. . .

Hate Crimes/ Racial Profiling

Immediately following the attacks, normal Americans were filled with anger, rage, and hate against who they were not quite sure.

The days and weeks after the attacks saw several brutal crimes committed against people who were assumed to be of Arab descent.

Friend of Israel. . .

Friend of Israel

The terrorist act committed by those of fundamental Islamic belief renewed our friendship with our Jewish allies in the Middle East, Israel.

Some people, including Osama Bin Laden indicate that our pro-Israeli policies, and therefore supposedly Anti-Arab policies are one of the reasons for the attacks.

Political Unity. . .

Political Unity

In the days and weeks after the attacks, a at one time hostile Congress comes together to create important legislation to deal with problems that were created by the terrorism.

After his speech to a joint session of Congress, Bush embraces his political enemy Senator Tom Daschle.

War on Terrorism. . .

War on Terrorism

As the U.S. prepares to go to war to defend itself, the question is asked where do we start, and how far will we go?

Afghanistan and the Taliban government are singled out as harboring Osama Bin Laden and the Al Quaeda terrorist organization.

National Security. . .

National Security

After the attacks a big debate rings from coast to coast on how best to protect America from future acts of terrorism.

Congress passes some legislation to deal with this problem, one bill deals with Airport Security.

President Bush creates the office of Homeland Defense, and former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge is appointed as director.

The Bush Legacy. . .

The Bush Legacy

No matter what else occurs in the Bush Presidency, W will be judged by how he responds to this international crisis.

On September 20, 2001, Bush delivers a speech filled with resolve and grief, he is given very high marks for this address.

Bush’s approval rating hovers at 85 percent into the new year.

Which of the headings would best go with the illustration. . .

Another Day of InfamyThe Bush Legacy

Which of the headings would best go with the illustration. . .

National Defense/ U.S. Intelligence

Friend of Israel

Which of the headings would best go with the illustration. . .

War on TerrorismNational Security

Websites with 9/11 Illustrations

http://cagle.slate.msn.com/news/attack/

http://www.linkydinky.com/terroristtoons

http://cagle.slate.msn.com/main.asphttp://www.royaljournal.com/featureshttp://www.wagtoons.com/

Additional Activities to be used with this lesson. . .

Use the websites provided to find another cartoon that brings a perspective different from the ones we discussed, and explain what that illustrator is trying to say.

Create your own cartoon around the Attack on America, use a heading we did in class, or create your own unique perspective.

Use one of the illustrations that we used in class and write a letter to the illustrator about whether you agree with his perspective or not.