Do you know what changes occurred in the U.S after September 11th, 2001? The 9/11 attacks continue to haunt the memory of Americans even if more than a decade has passed since then. The terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York has definitely impacted the policy of the US Government and many changes have been implemented since then.
Public Domain Image: Public Domain
Let’s take a look at the top 7, in a fashion similar to our coverage of the NSA spying scandal.
No. 7: Veterans Educational Assistance Act
The Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which became law in 2008, grants the full financial support for a post-graduate study program for veterans who have served for at least three years. The Act also ensures financial support for housing costs and other educational related expenses, such as books, supplies, and various fees.
No. 6: Censorship
The 9/11 attack generated a massive censorship in the entertainment business. Numerous movies which were in production at the time were either cancelled or edited, and any shots depicting the World Trade Center were removed. Even episodes that had already been aired were edited in order to remove references to terrorism and the Twin Towers.
See the rest of the country’s most important changes after September 11th on the following pages:
No. 5: University Programs
Did you hear about any domestic security studies in higher education institutions prior to 2001? Well, given the much interest this topic has generated since, several universities and colleges have introduced domestic security in their curriculum. Such programs focus on matters like rogue regimes, response in case of emergencies, and the psychology of terrorism. Middle school and high school students can also join a homeland security program, by enrolling in a summer camp at Penn University.
No. 4: Stellar Wind and the NSA
Stellar Wind is the name given to an extensive operation run by the National Security Agency (NSA), which involves collecting data regarding the Internet activity, phone calls, and financial transactions of the American citizens. Since its inception, the program has caused much debate between the government and the Department of Justice, which, on occasion, has stated that Stellar Wind was illegal.
No. 3: Improvements in National Defense
Since the attacks, the US Government has gone to great lengths in its attempts to prevent other such events from occurring. According to figures released by The Washington Post in 2010, there are currently 1,271 government run agencies and 1,931 private institutions working on counterterrorism, intelligence, and homeland security programs.
No. 2: The PATRIOT Act
The PATRIOT Act was signed into law by former president George W. Bush, a little over a month and a half after the attacks. Through this acts, law enforcement agencies were given the right to search telephone and e-mail communication, financial and medical records, and bank accounts.
No. 1: The Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks as a means to enhance protection with US territory. Its more than 200,000 employees are in charge with improving protection methods against natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and man-made accidents.
