Terrorism in the 21st Century: Causes and Effects

In the past ten years mass shootings have become a more frequent tragedy, posing important questions about public safety, mental health, and how the United States can respond to the threat of widespread gun violence. This book explores the history of shootings in the United States, examples of mass shootings and the public debate they sparked, and what experts say can be done to curb gun violence. The book will help young students understand the much discussed tragedies, how the United States is addressing the causes of gun violence, and how mass shootings fit into the larger debate on terrorism.

The world watched in horror on September 11, 2001, when two passenger planes were flown into the World Trade Center buildings, killing nearly three thousand people. Soon after, the United States entered a war that would last many years. This book explores the events leading up to this horrific attack and the terrorist group responsible, as well as the attack itself and its long-lasting ramifications. Students will be guided in their reading with a timeline, a glossary, and a further information section to encourage a deeper understanding of the topic.

In 2013, over twenty thousand people came to participate in the Boston Marathon, held every year on Patriots' Day. Thousands gathered at the finish line to watch the runners complete the twenty-six mile run. Instead, they became victims and witnesses of a devastating attack that left 3 dead, 260 wounded, and shut down the entire city. Students will learn about the history of the marathon and the bombing, the response to the attack, the manhunt for the bombers, and the impact of the bombing on American society. A glossary, timeline, and further reading lists are also included to aid students.

The Islamic State, or ISIS, has become one of the most deadly terrorist organizations in the world. ISIS made headlines with their use of violence and intimidation in Syria and Iraq and are credited with carrying out attacks in Europe and inspiring attacks in the United States. This book discusses the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, their international reach, the distinction between attacks inspired by and coordinated by ISIS, and how countries are responding. The book will help students understand the ideology of ISIS, how they carry out attacks, and how experts feel the group can be countered.

September 11, 2001, is a day that is engraved in the minds of people all around the world, even if they were too young to remember that day themselves. The horrible terror attacks on that day changed the way the U.S. government dealt with terrorism and ushered in a new age of security. In this book, students will learn about the attack, which killed 189 both on Flight 77 and on the ground, as well as the ramifications of the attack. Their reading will be supported with a glossary for unfamiliar words and a further reading section to encourage deeper learning of the topic.

The tragic events aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, are seen as an example of extreme heroism. When they realized their plane had been hijacked, passengers aboard flight 93 fought the hijackers and brought the plane down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in an attempt to save the lives of people on the ground. This book examines the events leading up to the hijacking, the heroic actions of passengers and crew, and the country's response to this tragedy. A glossary helps students develop their vocabulary, while a further information section encourages deeper understanding of the topic.