<p>The 21st century saw the dawn of the war on terrorism, as the 9/11 attacks and the Boston Marathon bombing dramatically changed society. Economic issues moved to the forefront during the Great Recession. The COVID-19 pandemic upended lives and economies around the world. Awareness of social inequality grew as the killings of Black Americans, including Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, spurred widespread protests.</p>


21st Century

The 21st century has been a volatile period, beginning with the 9/11 attacks, the war on terrorism, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

21st Century: Terrorism, Recession & COVID-19 | HISTORY

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<p><a href="http://history.com/">HISTORY.com</a> works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including <a href="https://www.history.com/author/amanda-onion">Amanda Onion</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/missy-sullivan">Missy Sullivan</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/matt-mullen">Matt Mullen</a> and Christian Zapata.</p>


21st Century ‑ Videos

How Decades of Instability Gave Rise to Al‑Qaeda and the 9/11 Attacks

The 9/11 Survivor Tree

Here’s What ISIS Believes and How It Came to Be

Here’s What Caused the Great Recession

Here’s Why the Patriot Act Is So Controversial

The 9/11 Flag: Lost and Found

Stories From 9/11: Pentagon Employee Bruce Powers

September 11th: How Did It Change Your Life?

World Trade Center

Remembering 9/11: The Pentagon Attack

September 11th: Why We Remember

The 9/11 Generation