History of Terrorism 1
Abstract
The history of terrorism can be seen throughout history with the many assassinations,
riots, and even war. The United States is a nation that was arguably founded on the premise of
terrorism, with the founding father’s intent to overthrow the government based off opposing
views. This paper will go over many key events that have taken place throughout the history of
the United States. The first section will establish the definition and different types of terrorism.
The paper will continue on to dive into the late 18th century and proceed until World War I
reviewing many of the major events that took place and how the United States responded. The
next time frame examined is from World War I to the late 1900s where we will see the evolution
of America within its borders. Following this the paper will present many of the issues that took
place from 1990 until September 11th, 2001. After this time period it will discuss what has been
done since the 11th of September and how the United States has changed since the falling of the
World Trade Center. The final segment will be the conclusion where the paper will be
summarized with a brief conclusion.
History of Terrorism 2
What is Terrorism?
According to the FBI, terrorism can be classified under two separate types, one being
international terrorism and the other being domestic terrorism. International terrorism is defined
as being deviant, violent acts done by individual parties or groups who can be inspired by or
associated with foreign terrorist organizations or state-sponsored nations (FBI, 2016). The other,
domestic terrorism is defined as the following, much like the international definition it also
pertains to more violent deviant acts. Additionally, this type commits terrorist actions by their
ideological goals that may originate from domestic influences, such as social issues, political,
religious conflict, racial issues, or environmental nature (FBI, 2016).
Types of Groups of Terrorism
Terrorism can be summed up into two types of categories, one being international and the
other domestic, but what groups could one expect to see in the individual categories. One of the
major contributors of domestic terrorism would be civil disorder. This type of domestic terrorism
can be seen in many recent years in the United States with peaceful protests turning into riots
across the nation, people are demanding a change, desiring better policies and management of
society, a prime example of these incidents can be seen during the George Floyd riots in 2020.
Another form of domestic terrorism that is occurring presently is political terrorism. This form of
terrorism is where one political party is pitted against the other and the citizens are becoming the
victims of their “war” (Types, 2021). Non-political terrorism is another type that can be seen in
both domestic and international terrorism. This type is typically fought in a similar manner as
political terrorism but may be for other reasons outside of political gain such as Islam vs.
Christianity. Quasi terrorism can be seen commonly when an individual decides to flee from the
History of Terrorism 3
police due to committing a criminal act and hurting others along the way or holding individuals
against their will to escape (Types, 2021). The final two separate groups are limited political
terrorism and the other state terrorism. Limited political terrorism has the goal to protest
government policy or action(s) with no intent on overthrowing the government entirely, this can
be found under the umbrella of both domestic and international terrorism (Types, 2021). State
terrorism is found primarily in the international sector since these acts would occur typically
between countries to achieve a particular goal (Types, 2021).
Founding era to World War I
According to the definitions from some perspectives it can be understood that the
founding fathers would have been labeled terrorists by even our current administration. The
founding fathers pushed to secede the British’s overreach of power to which as we all know,
succeeded. The war of 1812 could be viewed as a terrorist act is it was Britain’s step toward
holding onto more territory within the area. This particular goal was their driving factor and
caused the turmoil between the United States and Great Britain. This form of international
terrorism led to a war and forced the United States’ hand to meet the British in battle. America
would stand its ground, working to maintain its territory, while pushing the British forces out of
the continent entirely (Final, n.d.). The two countries would end their war with a treaty to resolve
issues and prevent further conflict. Britain would hold its territories in what is today Canada, but
they would forever be removed from the northwestern portion of the United States (Final, n.d.).
After this conflict the next major event would be the greatest conflict and loss of the
United States, the Civil War. This war is a prime example of domestic terrorism, one that could
fall under multiple groups of terrorism as well. In most understandings it can be understood that
the Civil War was a feud due to a values and ideals not aligning, while some could see it as
History of Terrorism 4
political terrorism. The Civil War impacted the United States drastically with being the highest
casualty rate to ever be in its history. The primary reason that society speaks on is whether one
can own a slave or not. The views were conflicted between the northern and southern states in
determining this matter. The actions taken against one another was war, to limit the intake of
goods and starving them out. The tactics used were meant to weaken the other side and to allow
an easier win to occur. Although this was the bloodiest war it allowed immense growth for the
country. The war led to improved treatment of all people, the 13th amendment, and pushed
toward a more equal nation.
After this conflict the next major event would be rooted in World War I. This war would
lead to a all of Europe being at war over what can be perceived as domestic terrorism. Reason
being domestic is because the causes of this war was due to unrest in the eastern European region
and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Causes, n.d.). This assassin would be in
association of an organization or nation which in today’s logic would be classified as political
terrorism and limited political terrorism. The act was of violence and criminal in nature, leading
to the understanding that this was an act of terrorism. From this point the world plunged into a
global conflict causing the loss of millions of civilians making it a limited political terrorist act
(Causes, n.d.). From the continuation and plunging into World War I it can be viewed even as
state terrorism since it became more of an international conflict with nation against nation. Due
to the events and weapons involved in the war the nations had their first Geneva conference
banning certain weapons to be used in war (Causes, n.d.).
Post World War I to 1990
After World War I, the rise of domestic terrorism within the United States began to
expand with the Klu Klux Klan becoming relevant and more powerful than before throughout
History of Terrorism 5
history (). This group is one that is particular of their views, in enforcing white supremacy,
combating against those that are African American or of a different race or religion. Although,
this was clearly a terrorist organization by its actions, causing civil disorder, political and non-
political terrorism classifications based off the above-mentioned definitions. This group’s goal
was to put white individuals at the very top of society no matter the cost.
The next largest event or act of terrorism would be the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This
attack was intended and aimed at the U.S. government. This was meant to gain a strategic
position in the Pacific for future endeavors into the United States to expand territories and
eliminate the threat of the United States. This plunged the United States into a war they would
have otherwise wanted to avoid if possible. The war would cause the United States to fall into a
total war state, causing the loss of thousands of people and soldiers around the world. Due to this
conflict America would be viewed and held at the top of the world’s power. This in turn would
end up making the United States a larger target for terrorism. The changes that would stem from
these actions would be the formation of the United Nations where countries would gather to
assist in improving security matters and managing the correct response to attacks whether it be
an individual or from a group.
One of the next terrorist acts that were a major turn in the security field was the
assassination of John F. Kennedy. This attack was done by an individual, or so it is most
believed. The reasons behind his assassination are unclear but were a clear sign that the security
surrounding the president was lacking and needed to be further reinforced. President Kennedy
had many conflicting views in comparison to most of the government and called for change in
the United States (November, n.d.). Although, many of the theories behind the reason of his
murder vary, with some stating it was a plot by the government itself and others holding that the
History of Terrorism 6
mafia was behind it. No matter the reasoning or source of the plot, it can be understood in our
understanding that this was an act of limited political terrorism. The death of JFK led to change
within the Constitution itself. The government then would form what is known today as the 25th
amendment establishing the line of succession if the president were to die, resign or be removed
from office (How JFK, n.d.).
The next major movement that took place was involving civil rights of the citizens of the
United States. The civil rights movement was an opportunity to reach equality for all African
American people. The protests were primarily peaceful outside of white supremacists and police
officers due to them not being able to accept that black men and women would be equal to them
in all respects (). This civil disorder was not from the civil rights movement but from those that
opposed the idea of an equal black man to live in their country. The views then can classify this
terrorist act as domestic, civil disorder and quasi terrorism. This movement though would
eventually lead to the change in the treatment of African American men and women. This change
would be the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and then the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Although it would
not be an easy shift for the American public to accept, the government made a statement by this
and continue to push for equality across all minorities.
An infamous civil rights activist and speaker Martin Luther King Jr. would be
assassinated during the movement causing immense uproar and issues to continue for
generations. The uproar would lead to hundreds of cities burned in retaliation to what happened.
Much like the JFK assassination the root of the conspirators was not uncovered. The man
responsible was believed to have died in 1998 behind bars (Assassination, 2020). Many
conspiracies surround the governments involvement in this murder along with the mafia of the
time, but no evidence has been found to solidify this claim. The steps taken after his
History of Terrorism 7
assassination was an international manhunt for the individual responsible, he would plead guilty
and recant his statement, making many wonder, why the government was so quick to close this
case and refuse to look into it again or any further. The response of this act though did not bring
much change to the government, instead the government honored the fallen activist with the
formation of MLK Day.
1990- September 11th, 2001
An event that stems not too far from the civil rights movement would be the Los Angeles
riots that took place in 1992. The reason behind this was due to the mishandling of a case of
officers beating an African American man. This mishandling and poor judgement under the jury
that handled this case led to a massive uproar, causing a large civil disorder form of terrorism to
occur. The minority community became distraught on the case and the idea of it being seen as
acceptable for police officers to senselessly beat a man. The response of the government was to
work to protect the home front from the rioting population and to work to maintain order.
Outside of this not many changes have been made or were made, and we can still see the issues
faced from similar scenarios across the country causing more mayhem to this day.
The next act of terrorism was also done on the domestic side. This was the worst act to
have hit the nation from one of its own citizens. This attack was intended to assist in toppling the
government or crippling it in a way. Making this act a limited political terrorist act. The
individual worked alongside individuals and made the FBI amass immense amounts of
information by correlating with agencies and business throughout the United States (Oklahoma,
2016). This was one of the earlier sights of what we can now identify as a fusion center. The
United States then learned from the issues here and have since built buildings differently to
correctly manage bombings by reinforcing structures to be able to withstand these attacks.
History of Terrorism 8
9/11/2001-Present Day
On September 11th, 2001, the nation would change drastically with the attack on the
World Trade Center in New York. This attack was an international terrorist act which would lead
the United States into a war in retaliation. The government would re-evaluate its entire structure,
intelligence community and the method in which it manages disasters. This event led to the
formation of the Department of Homeland Security allowing for many agencies to fall under this
umbrella. DHS established a new method in disaster management ensuring proper handling of
all-hazards be it natural, man-made or accidental. The new organizations would form terrorism
task forces, aligning with agencies across the nation, information gathering in fusion centers and
stationing emergency managers across the United States to better handle disasters. Additionally,
it has led to a more extensive screening process when traveling through the borders, flights, and
especially international relations.
Terrorism today is changing and becoming less frequent but more impactful by their
amount of damage recorded. Terrorists are not always being violent but are utilizing their
knowledge, technology, and opportunities to target the “super” powers of the world. The world
has become increasingly dependent on the technological industry, its banking system, travel, and
infrastructure of the entire government. Due to this there has been many attacks on the United
States through web to cripple the government or to cause more civil disorder. The responses to
this have been to reinforce the cyberwarfare community, providing more opportunity for those in
the tech field to be involved in securing our nation from would be attackers through the web.
Another form of domestic terrorism that we have seen in recent years involved the
inequality and misjudgment of certain cases involving police officers and those who are a
minority. These feuds have continuously led to civil disorder, deaths to some and damage to
History of Terrorism 9
businesses across the nation from these cases of excessive force and the officers being acquitted
of all or some of their charges. The government today has continuously tried to change the
rhetoric, to explore new training opportunities and establishing a more “peaceful” peace officer.
To the media today these acts of rioting or “peaceful protesting” is not viewed as terrorism
although under both the definitions discussed it can be understood as a domestic terrorist threat.
The government deployed the National Guard to certain cities to protect businesses from the
rioters across the nation and to allow the people to protest safely.
Conclusion
The strategies have changed throughout development of the United States, from the
revolutionary time to World War I, we saw the nation growing immensely and working toward
achieving a free state. The nation struggled with the British forces and those that would migrate
to the United States conflicting with both Natives and its original settlers. Most of the stressors
of this time were primarily surrounding the economics of the United States and encouraged
individuals who sought after liberty. The nation struggled to achieve its own liberty from the
British and established their own government that conflicted against the British Empire causing
war and eventual separation from British rule. In the following centuries the United States would
be tested to achieve what they sought after. The Civil War would cause turmoil across the nation
which would lead to a movement that would be continued to this day, the freedom and equality
of all men and women. This movement would show a rise in domestic terrorism, with the rise of
the KKK and civil disorder plaguing North America. The government would begin to shift and
recognize all men and women as equal and combat those who went against the basic humane
treatment of others. The government has made its most drastic changes to national security after
World War II by stressing the need of intelligence communities to be used in securing our nation
History of Terrorism
10
further from future potential threats. The government and its agencies have worked tirelessly to
prevent attacks, prepare for potential terrorist attacks whether it be physical, or cyberwarfare
related. The agencies have established new positions and policies specifically for certain crimes
and terrorist acts. Additionally, the United States has worked internationally with agencies, third
parties and governments to combat the threat of terrorism around the world. Agencies must
continue to work alongside each other while preventing attacks from occurring as they have done
so well in recent years to continue to combat this ever-evolving field.
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