In History, Today on September 11

The 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks was observed with memorial events across the United States, including a ceremony held at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. President Joe Biden attended ceremonies in all three sites associated with the attacks: New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The 2012 Benghazi attack was a coordinated assault against two United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, by members of the Islamic militant group Ansar al-Sharia. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

A Comorian Airbus A310-300 crashed into the sea off the coast of Comoros due to unknown causes. The incident marked another tragedy in a history of aviation accidents in the area.

Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh died following knife injuries inflicted on her while shopping on September 10 in Stockholm. Her death prompted a nationwide manhunt and resulted in introspection regarding personal security for Swedish governmental figures.

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States. Four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing their collapse. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers.

Scotland voted to create its own Parliament after 290 years of union with England.

U.S. President George H. W. Bush delivered a speech to Congress outlining his vision for a 'new world order' following the end of the Cold War.

Reggae musician Peter Tosh was murdered at his home in Jamaica, a significant loss to the music industry. Tosh was known for his work with The Wailers and his solo career advocating for Rastafarianism and social justice.

A military coup in Chile led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the democratically elected President Salvador Allende.

The 1954 Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, marking a significant cultural event in the United States at that time.

The first Allied troops entered Nazi Germany near Aachen during World War II as part of the Western Allied Invasion of Germany.

Construction of the Pentagon began in Arlington, Virginia, which would become the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.

The British Mandate for Palestine was approved by the League of Nations, establishing British administration in the region.

Mahatma Gandhi coined the term 'Satyagraha' during a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. 'Satyagraha' refers to his philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance, which would later play a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.

Swami Vivekananda delivered his famous speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, introducing Hinduism to the Western world.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre took place in Utah Territory, where a wagon train was attacked by Mormon militia.

The Swedish astronomer Nils Henrik Lovén discovered the asteroid 13 Egeria. This celestial body is part of the main asteroid belt and was significant for contributing to the understanding of asteroid composition and behavior in the solar system.

The Battle of Plattsburgh ended in an American victory during the War of 1812, securing the northern border of the United States.

Alexander Hamilton was appointed as the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

The Battle of Brandywine occurred during the American Revolutionary War, resulting in a British victory.

The first submarine attack in history took place during the American Revolutionary War.

Catalonia was defeated in the War of the Spanish Succession as forces loyal to Philip V of Spain captured Barcelona.

Charles XII of Sweden stopped his march to conquer Moscow outside Smolensk, marking a turning point in the Great Northern War.

The Battle of Vienna took place, marking a turning point in the Ottoman Empire's expansion into Europe.

Henry Hudson discovered Manhattan Island and the indigenous people living there.

The Peace of Basel was signed, concluding the Swabian War between the Old Swiss Confederacy and the House of Habsburg, marking significant Swiss independence from Habsburg influence.

The Battle of Stirling Bridge took place, where Scottish forces led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English army.

The Battle of Alarcos took place during the Almohad campaign against the Kingdom of Castile. The Spanish-lead army defeated the Almohads at Alarcos, which is near modern Ciudad Real.

The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest concluded, where an alliance of Germanic tribes ambushed and decisively destroyed three Roman legions and their auxiliaries, led by Publius Quinctilius Varus. This battle marked a significant turning point in Roman expansion into Germania.