What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in the United States. The attacks involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes by members of the extremist group Al-Qaeda. The major event that took place on that day is commonly referred to as the "9/11 attacks."
The terrorists deliberately crashed two of the hijacked planes into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact and subsequent fires caused the collapse of both towers, resulting in immense loss of life and the destruction of the iconic buildings. This tragic event is often referred to as the "World Trade Center attacks."
Another hijacked plane was flown into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia. The impact caused significant damage to the building and resulted in casualties.
The fourth hijacked plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was intended to target another prominent location, but courageous passengers aboard the plane fought back against the hijackers. As a result, the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching its intended target.
The 9/11 attacks resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, including civilians, first responders, and individuals from various nationalities. It was a watershed moment in U.S. history, leading to significant changes in national security policies, the initiation of the Global War on Terrorism, and a reevaluation of international relations.