Student Web Activities, Remembering 9/11, Social Studies, Glencoe

Student Web Activities

9/11 and the Economy

Introduction
One of the great challenges that faced Americans after the September 11th terrorist attacks was a sharp downturn in the economy. The stock market had been shaken, the airline industry faced serious challenges as passengers stopped flying, and many other companies and industries looked at great difficulties ahead. In an attempt to sustain the economy, the government responded by increasing spending. On October 16, 2001, the Office of Management and Budget under President Bush issued a news release detailing general plans for careful spending.

Destination Title: Office of Management and Budget

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Go to the Office of Management and Budget Web site.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. What is meant by "Springtime for Spenders"?

2. How does the OMB suggest money should be spent? Why?

3. What were the initial steps taken to help the airline industry?

4. How did the OMB describe the dangers of going beyond the two primary objectives of defeating terrorism and defending the homeland?

5. This press release discusses several economic issues that government leaders had to respond to after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Using the WhiteHouse.gov web site and the Office of Management and Budget web site, research how the government assisted the airline industry after September 11th. Next, imagine that you are an advisor to President Bush. On a separate sheet of paper, make a bulleted list of the efforts made to help the airlines. Then write a memo to the president explaining your own opinion as to what the government should have done to help the airlines. Be sure that your memo addresses the concerns raised by the Office of Management and Budget about too much government spending.

• Web Activity Lesson

Plans

• Map Activity Lesson