The events of September 11, 2001 shocked the United States population more than any event since the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Yet many historians argue that the signs of animosity towards the United States had been growing for decades, and were largely ignored during the Clinton administration. Many citizens proclaimed, "Why do they hate us so?" in great shock and surprise. Students will respond to the following:
Explain the shift in focus of the U.S. population away from world events after the fall of the Soviet Union and the effect it may have had on our national security.
Agree or disagree with the following statement and cite your reasons: "The United States is the most generous country in the world and should be loved by its trading partners and people around the world. Foreigners who dislike us are receiving too much anti-U.S. propaganda."
Agree or disagree with the following statement and cite your reasons: "In their hearts, most of the people around the world want what we have here in the United States - they want to be like us."