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The text we are studying ends just after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. If you had an opportunity to write the final chapter of the text, how would you write the history? What events would you include and why? Using the year 2010 as a starting point, construct a timeline essay of 6 successive, related events culminating with a current event that you believe has shaped the nation into what it is today. It is important to remember that your events need to have a theme (thesis).

Provide an explanation of why each event is significant and how one event is related to or led to another event. Discuss individuals involved with the events and reference your sources. You should also include a reflection on how these events have shaped your perception about your surroundings and the world in which you live?

Paper For Above Instructions

The aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 represented a watershed moment in American history. As the world shifted, the United States faced numerous challenges that reshaped its national identity and international relations. This essay will outline a timeline of six significant events from 2010 onwards, each interconnected and collectively instrumental in shaping the America we know today. The theme of this timeline is the evolving nature of American security and civil liberties in response to external and internal pressures.

Event 1: The Arab Spring (2010-2011)

The Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests and uprisings that swept through the Arab world in 2010. Beginning in Tunisia and spreading to several countries including Egypt, Libya, and Syria, these movements were largely fueled by public discontent with authoritarian regimes and economic hardships. This wave of protests significantly impacted U.S. foreign policy, pushing the government to reconsider its alliances in the Middle East. Prominent events, such as the ousting of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, forced the U.S. to navigate the complexities of supporting democratic movements while maintaining strategic interests in the region (Goldstone, 2011).

Event 2: The Rise of ISIS (2013)

The emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2013 marked another pivotal moment. As Iraq struggled to stabilize after the U.S. invasion, ISIS capitalized on the existing sectarian divisions, declaring a caliphate in June 2014. The brutality of ISIS and its ability to gain territory shocked the world and prompted a military response from the U.S. and allies. This event was significant because it highlighted the unintended consequences of the U.S. intervention in the Middle East and led to a reevaluation of American military strategy in the region (Cockburn, 2015).

Event 3: The Paris Attacks (November 2015)

The Paris attacks of November 13, 2015, where coordinated terrorist attacks left 130 dead, showcased the global implications of ISIS's operations and reaffirmed the international community's vulnerability to terrorism. The U.S. responded to these attacks by intensifying its military operations in the Middle East and reinforcing security measures at home. The aftermath of the attacks led to a surge in anti-terrorism legislation and increased surveillance, reigniting debates around civil liberties and the balance between security and privacy in American society (Davis, 2015).

Event 4: The Rise of Populism (2016-2017)

The U.S. presidential election of 2016 saw the rise of populism, epitomized by Donald Trump's campaign, which utilized national security rhetoric to bolster support. Trump’s presidency brought a radical shift in American policies, particularly with his travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries. This period underscored the tensions between national security and civil liberties, as many citizens grappled with the implications of such policies on American values (Inglehart & Norris, 2016). Trump's election signified a departure from traditional Democratic and Republican values, leading many to question the future direction of American democracy.

Event 5: The Black Lives Matter Movement Gains Momentum (2019)

While the September 11 attacks prompted a focus on international terrorism, the civil unrest sparked by the police killings of African Americans such as George Floyd in 2020 shifted the lens toward domestic issues of race, injustice, and civil rights. The Black Lives Matter movement gained unprecedented global attention, igniting protests that demanded the reevaluation of systemic racism and the militarization of police forces in America. This movement further complicated the national dialogue on security, civil rights, and the role of law enforcement (Taylor, 2020). The protests served as a reminder that the fight for civil liberties is a crucial element of national security.

Event 6: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Aftermath (2020-present)

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019 and escalated in 2020, presented an unprecedented challenge to the U.S. and the world. The pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in public health systems and exacerbated existing inequalities. Government responses included lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccination campaigns, igniting debates around individual freedoms versus communal safety. The pandemic's aftermath exposed cracks in the social fabric of the country, leading to discussions about health equity, economic disparity, and the fundamental rights of citizens in times of crisis (Paltiel, Zheng, & Zheng, 2021). This period has shaped my understanding of the interconnections between health security, civil liberties, and governmental responsibilities.

Reflection

Reflecting on these events from 2010 to the present reveals how complex the landscape of American identity has become. The events illustrate an ongoing struggle between the need for security and the preservation of civil liberties. They highlight the interconnectedness of international and domestic issues in shaping public perception and policy. Personally, these events have deepened my awareness of the fragility of democracy and the importance of civic engagement. Each event, from the Arab Spring to the pandemic, has challenged me to consider how my own beliefs are influenced and shaped by the broader socio-political context.

References

• Cockburn, P. (2015). The Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can’t Ignore. The Independent.
• Davis, M. (2015). The Paris Attacks: A New Phase of Terrorism. The Atlantic.
• Goldstone, J. A. (2011). The Arab Spring: A New Era in the Middle East. The New York Times.
• Inglehart, R., & Norris, P. (2016). Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic Have-Nots and Cultural Backlash. Harvard Kennedy School.
• Paltiel, A. D., Zheng, A., & Zheng, P. (2021). Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Control Measures in Public Spaces: A Comprehensive Review. The American Journal of Public Health.
• Taylor, K. Y. (2020). From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation. Haymarket Books.