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

  • Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    July 19, 2022
    History shows that mid-term election years have an effect on market performance. What does that look like during the kind of market volatility already encountered in 2022? This month’s Student of the Market takes a quick look at stats showing market performance across the election cycle. There is also a quick study of stats showing the trends for Bull and Bear Markets, and recession asset class performance.
    Read this Article
  • A Roth: Potential for Tax-free Income

    A Roth: Potential for Tax-free Income

    February 17, 2023
    It’s important to know the differences between a Roth and other retirement accounts. There are a number of factors to consider when you’re deciding whether a Roth account is right for you. This article gives you several things to think about to choose your options when planning your retirement strategy.
    Read this Article
  • MAR Student of the Market

    Stock Volatility Remained Low

    March 27, 2024
    Tracking historical data, by the number of single day stock market returns of +/- 2% or more, shows that lower volatility has typically resulted in stronger returns. This overview also looks at past stock trends following a Fed rate cut, S&P 500 milestones for all-time highs, the strength of Mutual funds, EFTs and more.
    Read this Article
  • Important Tips for Taking an Early Retirement

    Important Tips for Taking an Early Retirement

    June 7, 2022
    In times of market volatility, careful consideration for early retirement still holds true. Early retirement may be a long-held dream and a financial possibility but an assessment of your unique financial situation is important for making a smart long-term decision. Here are 8 Tips for early retirement to consider and discuss with your financial advisor.
    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