Political Violence and Terrorism in Modern America

Compiles over 3,100 bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and robberies carried out for political or social objectives between 1954 and 2005.American terrorism—terrorism that occurs within the United States and Puerto Rico—has been remarkably diverse in terms of the causes and ideologies of the terrorists. Here, Christopher Hewitt has compiled the details of over 3,100 bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and robberies carried out for political or social objectives between 1954 and 2005. Arranged chronologically, concise entries offer valuable ready reference information including the date of the incident, the type of incident, the group or person responsible, where the attack occurred, and the details of the act. Thematic indexes, bibliography, and thorough indexing make this an indispensable resource for students and researchers of modern political violence in America.

"Hewitt presents a chronology of terrorist events in the United States and Puerto Rico between 1954 and 2005. Simplifying the criteria for entry, Hewitt used the FBI's definition of terrorism. Over 3,100 entries include acts of bombing, shooting, kidnapping, and robbery; groups include black militant, anti-abortion, Jewish, and other groups (foreign and domestic). Entries include date and type of event (November 10, 1971—Attempted Bombing), faction responsible, incident location, and details of the action. . . . Readers should not bypass the introduction; it contains an excellent explanation of how crimes are defined as terrorist rather than sexually or racially motivated. . . . Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and up; general readers." - Choice

Christopher Hewitt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has written extensively on terrorism, ethnic conflict, and political violence. His publications include The Effectiveness of Anti-Terror Policies (1984), Consequences of Political Violence (1993), Encyclopedia of Modern Separatist Movements (2000), and Understanding Terrorism in America: From the Klan to al Queda (2003).