NCJ Number
93019
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The filmstrip helps viewers place recent acts of terrorism in historical perspective. It notes that terrorism is a phenomenon that has plagued the world for over 100 years.
Abstract
Although the history of terrorism can be traced to ancient times, terrorism did not become widespread until the 19th century. Three distinct seedbeds for terrorist activities in the 19th century were nationalism, ideologically motivated revolutionaries, and the rise of the labor union movement. A fourth category -- people motivated by hatred or revenge -- is illustrated by the Russian pogroms against the Jews and the Klu Klux Klan's antiblack activities. Attention is given to contemporary terrorist activities, such as those prevalent in the Middle East, Italy, West Germany, and Guatemala. Special note is made of terrorism occurring in the United States. The filmstrip concludes by explaining that the U.S. emphasis on the value of the individual rather than on the importance of the state may have allowed Americans to escape the worst aspects of terrorism. However, increased media attention to international acts of terror may alter this situation. (Author summary modified)