In observance of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Teaching American History interviewed Michael Hurley, former CIA officer and member of the 9/11 Commission, to talk about the causes of the attacks, September 11th itself, and the fallout of that day.

Today’s episode focuses on the day itself: how it happened, how Americans and American leaders and governmental agencies responded, and how the stage was set for what would follow.

Suggested Additional Readings:

• When Government Writes History, Ernest May, 2005
• 9/11 Commission Report
• Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001, Steve Coll