The terrorist attack on September 9th, 2001, was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. With the increased tension and fears following the attack, the values and national interests of the country intensified, with the authorities shifting their focus toward prioritizing national security. Therefore, as an immediate aftermath of the attack, a heightened sense of national unity and a reinvigoration of its core ideals took place.
The first primary source that highlights the unity of the American people can be seen in President George W. Bush’s speech. Bush addressed the nation immediately after the attack, referring to the new circumstances as “a new, dangerous world” (Wright & Locke 30). As the President emphasized, “Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature” (Bush para. 5). Bush then claimed that the nation “responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors” (Bush para. 5). Therefore, with such words, the President rushed to instill hope and respect of national values.
The Patriot Act is another primary source that highlights the desire to protect American ideals of freedom and security. The Act, which the President approved on October 26, 2001, grants additional law enforcement powers to support the government’s initiatives to identify and prevent terrorism against the United States (U.S. Department of Justice). Such an initiative aims to reinforce the strength of law enforcement and the values of freedom, protecting the safety of citizens.
Even after almost a decade following the attack, values were mentioned again. In Barack Obama’s 2009 speech, the President highlighted that “our values have been our best national security asset — in war and peace; in times of ease and eras of upheaval” (Obama para.10). The speech shows a change of perspective and a developing understanding of the tension.
Hence, following the attack, there was an increase in national cohesion and a resurgence of its founding principles. President George W. Bush’s statement to the nation following the attack is the first primary source demonstrating the American people’s harmony. The Patriot Act is another important primary source emphasizing the need to defend American ideals of freedom and security. Obama’s speech demonstrates a shift in viewpoint and a growing comprehension of the conflict.
Works Cited
U.S. Department of Justice. “Report to Congress on Implementation of Section 1001 of the USA PATRIOT Act.” Web.
Obama, Barack. “Remarks by the President On National Security, 5-21-09.” The White House, 2009. Web.
Bush, George Jr. “Statement by the President in His Address to the Nation.” The White House, 2001. Web.
Wright, B., & Locke, J. L. The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U. S. History Textbook. Stanford University Press, 2019. Web.
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