September 11, 2001: How the World Changed

NARRATOR: The September 11, 2001 attacks marked a turning point in U.S. society. In addition to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, thousands more were injured, and the nation grappled with shock and uncertainty. The attacks brought immediate and lasting changes to Americans' daily routines, national security, and civil liberties.

In the hours after the attacks on the World Trade Center, the United States faced an unprecedented emergency. Search and rescue efforts for survivors at the World Trade Center site, dubbed Ground Zero, began immediately. First responders dug through close to two million tons of rubble hoping to find victims, with little success.

GEORGE W. BUSH: Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America.

NARRATOR: President George W. Bush was evacuated from a Florida elementary school on Air Force One. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld elevated the military's alert level to DEFCON 3, the highest state of emergency since 1973. And for the first time, shoot-down authority for hostile aircraft was given to military pilots.

DONALD RUMSFELD: We have taken a series of measures to prevent further attacks and to determine who is responsible.

NARRATOR: New York City's financial district suffered widespread damage. The stock market closed until September 17, its longest closure since 1933, and roughly $1.4 trillion in market value was lost. The airline, tourism, and insurance industries were also deeply impacted.

Daily life was disrupted in other ways as well. Major League Baseball games and the National Football League season were delayed. Other cultural events, like the Primetime Emmy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, were moved or cancelled, while countless other public gatherings paused in tribute and uncertainty.

In response to 9/11, the U.S. government made major changes to how it approached national security. On October 7, 2001, it launched the War on Terror, beginning with military action in Afghanistan against al-Qaeda and later expanding to Iraq. At home, agencies were reorganized to prevent future attacks. The Department of Homeland Security was formed to coordinate security, while the Office of the Director of National Intelligence aimed to improve communication between intelligence agencies. Everyday security also changed: the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, implemented stricter airport rules and screenings, while the U.S.A. Patriot Act expanded government surveillance powers over phone calls, emails and financial records.

GEORGE W. BUSH: With my signature, this law will give intelligence and law enforcement officials important new tools to fight a present danger.

NARRATOR: In the wake of the 9/11 attacks anti-Muslim bias increased. President Bush visited the Washington Islamic Center on September 17, 2001 and delivered a speech urging calm and respect for fellow citizens.

GEORGE W. BUSH: America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens. And Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country.

NARRATOR: Thousands of people were injured during the attacks, and many developed long-term health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancers, and PTSD. First responders and recovery workers received specialized medical care and compensation from 9/11 funds to address these ongoing effects.

September 11, 2001, fundamentally reshaped how Americans live, travel, and view their government. It prompted sweeping security measures, foreign wars, and national debates about privacy, justice, and equality. Even decades later, 9/11 continues to challenge Americans to consider how a democracy can defend against terrorism while protecting its people and preserving its values.