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Origins and History of Terrorism

Terrorism’s fascinating history is integral to the modern history of nations and states. Here, you’ll find articles and analyses that explain the origins of terrorist movements and groups, and put them in historical context.
History of Terrorism: From the First to the Twenty-First Century
What is--and isn't--terrorism? This history of terrorism defines the term and explains its evolution from the First Century to the Twenty-First.
Terrorism in the United States
A profile of terrorism in the United States, including thumbnail history,latest news, attacks and groups.
History of Terrorism: Anarchism and Anarchist Terrorism
The late 19th century political idea anarchism inspired political violence that was called Anarchist terrorism. Learn more about this moment in the history of terrorism.
History of Terrorism: Where Did Left Wing Terrorism Go?
The history of terrorism is often described as coming in waves. But can it be that the last wave, left wing terrorism, simply disappeared before religiously inspired terrorism took its place?
Timeline: Assassination History of Lebanon since 2000
Assassination is virtually a cliché in Lebanon, as their startling number suggests. Although they are often called acts of "terrorism" by one or another interested party, they are part of the fabric of Lebanon's often unstable political landscape, and many –often murky—motivations lie behind them. No assassination since 1976 has been solved.
Russia, Chechnya and Terrorism
The Russian war in Chechnya appears to be over, at the beginning of 2008. But its legacy will probably go on, as Chechen separatism, sporadic terrorist attacks and spillover into nearby republics continues. In this timeline, find facts about Russia, the War in Chechnya and Terrorism
1773: Boston Tea Party: Terrorism in America
The Boston Tea Party, an act of sabotage by American colonists, is often credited with a role in prompting the American revolution. It also fulfills the definition of terrorism, and a few have argued it should be considered an early act of terrorism in America.
1920: Wall Street Bombing--Terrorism in America
The Wall Street Bombing of 1920 was the most destructive terrorist attack to date in the United States. It helped provoke fears that anarchist or "red" terrorism in America was capable of undermining national security.
1968 PFLP Hijacking of El Al Flight
In 1968, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacked its first plane, inaugurating international terrorism.
1971: Kashmir India Hijacking by JKNLF
In 1971, seventeen year old Hashim Qureshi hijacked a Kashmir India plane to publicize the Jammu and Kashmire National Liberation Front, and the quest for Kashmiri independence from either India and Pakistan.
1975: Moluccan Hijackings, Terrorism in the Netherlands
Terrorism in the Netherlands was introduced in the 1970s, when second generation Moluccans in Holland grew discontent with Dutch apathy about the former colonial wards' status and lack of an independent state.
1988: Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing, Libyan Convictions
The 1998 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland was the largest attack on U.S. civilians up to that date. Libya later took responsibility, but questions over who was really responsible live on.
1995: Aum Shinrikyo Tokyo Subway Gas Attack
The Aum Shinrikyo Tokyo subway gas attack was one of the most lethal acts of bioterrorism ever committed.
2002 Bali Bombings –- Bali Resort Bombings the Deadliest Ever
The Bali resort island suffered Indonesia's deadliest terrorist attack in 2002
Al Qaeda and the 11th Century Assassins
Comparisons between 11th Century Assassins and todays followers of bin Laden produce surprising results.
Anti Abortion Assassination
In 1998, Dr. Barnett Slepian was assassinated by anti abortion activist James Kopp. Kopp was convicted for murder for his part in a uniquely American form of terrorism, anti abortion violence.
Notable Attack: Oklahoma City Bombing
Timothy McVeigh's 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing is considered the worst incident of domestic terrorism in American history. About Guide Jennifer Rosenberg explains McVeigh's motivations.
Notable Attack: 9/11
9/11 may later be remembered as the most notable terrorist attack in history. This collaboratively produced timeline records the day, beginning with a newspaper delivery driver's observations of something suspicious at 3:40 that morning.
World responses to 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing
The world press responded to the shocking news of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in strong terms. Read here how the foreign press interpreted the event.
Notable Attack: Japanese Cult Aum Shinrikyo
Japanese religious cult Aum Shinrikyo made headlines on March 20, 1995 when it attacked a Tokyo subway with sarin gas. This well-informed as well as gripping article tells the story of the attack.
Terrorism's Early History
The pre-modern history of terrorism from Assasins and Zealots to 19th Century Revolutionaries
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