Heimlich's History: Challenges Facing America in the 21st Century

Overview

• Final topic in the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Focus on challenges America has faced post-1980, affecting national identity:
  • Terrorist attacks
  • War on terror
  • Climate change

Election of 2000

• Republican George W. Bush vs. Democrat Al Gore.
• Result settled by the Supreme Court in favor of Bush.

September 11, 2001

• Al Qaeda terrorists attacked the U.S. using hijacked airplanes:
  • Twin Towers (NYC)
  • Pentagon
  • Attempted attack thwarted by passengers.
• Led to a unanimous call for justice in the U.S.

War on Terror

• Initiated by President Bush.
• Demand for Afghanistan to hand over Osama bin Laden; Taliban refused.
• U.S. invaded Afghanistan, Taliban overthrown but bin Laden not found until Obama’s presidency.
• Iraq War in 2003:
  • Dubious links to 9/11.
  • Alleged weapons of mass destruction.
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom to overthrow Saddam Hussein.
  • Instability post-Hussein led to challenges in establishing a new government.

The Patriot Acts (2001 & 2003)

• Increased government surveillance permissions:
  • Phone calls
  • Emails
• Criticized for infringing on constitutional rights to privacy.

Department of Homeland Security

• Established post-9/11.
• Major governmental reorganization since WWII.

Environmental Challenges

• Renewed debate over dependence on Middle Eastern oil:
  • 1990 Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait affected oil supply.
  • The U.S. went to war partly due to oil dependency.
• Climate Change:
  • Al Gore’s advocacy highlighted the impact of fossil fuels.
  • Divide in political opinion:
    • Democrats support regulation of carbon-producing industries.
    • Republicans often dismiss human-induced global warming.

U.S. Global Position

• Despite challenges, the U.S. remains a leading global superpower.

Conclusion

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