For clients of Kate Eiland, please CLICK HERE to see important details related to the Strong Valley transition.
Article

Was 9/11 This Generation's Pearl Harbor?

Was 9/11 This Generation's Pearl Harbor?

There are chilling similarities between Pearl Harbor and 9/11 – but fundamental differences too. Which event will have a lasting effect on our future?  What meaning and significance from these two catastrophic attacks will have a greater impact on America?

September 13, 2021
Was 9/11 This Generation's Pearl Harbor?
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

On December 7, 2001, a Gallup Poll ran the following headline:

“Americans Say Sept. 11 Will Be More Historically Significant Than Pearl Harbor.”

That December 7th day when Gallop ran that headline marked the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. But it was also just a few months after the September 11th attacks in New York and Washington – when many Americans were comparing the events in 1941 to those that had just occurred.

Ask yourself: which event had a more significant effect on the United States? The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 or the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in September 2001?

According to Gallup, 72% say 9/11. And before someone asks about Americans 65 and older – those with memories of both Pearl Harbor and the war that followed – consider this: those 65 and older say 9/11 will have a greater impact on America too.

The Parallels

  • Both attacks came with little forewarning and no single provocation.
  • Both attacks were against major U.S. structures.
  • Both attacks killed thousands of Americans, on scales eerily similar: 2,403 Americans on that awful Sunday in 1941 and 2,605 Americans (out of 2,996 victims) on that dreadful Tuesday in 2001.
  • Both attacks led to long wars, with catastrophic death tolls.

The Differences & How We Teach

While there are chilling similarities between Pearl Harbor and 9/11, there are plenty of important differences. Differences that need to be discussed with an open mind and within historical context.

The reality is that while 9/11 might seem like yesterday to most, students in 2019’s high school senior class were not yet born on Sept. 11, 2001. To them 9/11 is history – just like Pearl Harbor.

Twenty years from now, history books might suggest that 9/11 touched our lives and our children’s lives far longer and with more impact than Pearl Harbor ever did. Maybe even longer than World War II.

The fact is that each generation gives different meaning to the same historical events based on whatever issues they are currently concerned about. So, never forget the words of Thomas Jefferson:

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

Other content you may like

  • Boost Your Family's Savings

    A Budget Can Help Boost Your Family’s Savings

    March 30, 2021
    In difficult economic times, many young couples and families may find themselves wondering where their money goes. Faced with income constraints and competing demands for their money, many people simply spend what they must on necessities and save whatever happens to be left over. Or they spend all of their wages trying to make ends […]
    Read this Article
  • AUG Student of the Market

    So Goes July, So Goes the Rest of the Year?

    August 23, 2022
    With a good Market showing in July, what are the historical trends for the 6 months following? Now throw in mid-term elections and this month’s overview of market performance gets very interesting. Also included are past trends for stock performance during recessions and a quick look at a couple of inverted yield curves.
    Read this Article
  • a Stronger Dollar Has Investing Implications

    A Stronger Dollar Has Investing Implications

    October 10, 2022
    World currency fluctuations mean more than calculating your travel costs. Exporters win or lose every time currency rates fluctuate, affecting corporations and your portfolio. Here’s a brief overview of how that may look in global markets, how a strong dollar may affect U.S. exports, and the pros and cons of international investing.
    Read this Article
  • Podcast Highlight - International Investing Amid Conflict

    November 28, 2023
    The Team gets David’s insight on international investing from his role in JP Morgan Global Assets Management.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset