Meaning: The quote "The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States - and war is what they got" by President George W. Bush, was part of his address to a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This quote encapsulates the strong and decisive response that the United States, under President Bush's leadership, was prepared to take against those responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

In the wake of the devastating events of September 11, 2001, the United States found itself thrust into a new era of conflict and uncertainty. The attacks, carried out by the terrorist group al-Qaeda, represented a significant turning point in global geopolitics and set the stage for a prolonged and multifaceted military and diplomatic response from the United States and its allies.

President Bush's statement reflected the gravity of the situation and the resolve of the United States to confront and combat the forces of terrorism that had targeted the nation. It signaled a shift in the country's approach to national security and foreign policy, emphasizing a proactive and aggressive stance in addressing threats to its citizens and interests.

In the years following the 9/11 attacks, the United States embarked on a series of military campaigns aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and its associates, as well as pursuing broader objectives related to counterterrorism and regional stability. This included the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, where al-Qaeda had established its base of operations under the protection of the Taliban regime.

The quote also captures the broader context of the "War on Terror," a term used to describe the sustained efforts by the United States and its allies to combat extremist organizations and their networks. This included not only military operations but also diplomatic, intelligence, and law enforcement initiatives designed to disrupt and degrade terrorist capabilities and prevent future attacks.

The aftermath of 9/11 saw the United States engage in a range of international partnerships and coalitions, seeking to build consensus and cooperation in addressing the global threat posed by terrorism. This included efforts to strengthen multilateral frameworks and institutions, as well as working with individual countries to enhance their capacity to combat extremism and radicalization.

President Bush's words reflected a broader narrative of resolve and determination in the face of adversity, as the United States sought to rally its citizens and the international community in response to the unprecedented challenge posed by terrorism. The quote became emblematic of the post-9/11 era, symbolizing the uncompromising stance of the United States in pursuing justice and security in the wake of the attacks.

In conclusion, President George W. Bush's quote "The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States - and war is what they got" encapsulates the resolute and assertive response of the United States to the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent "War on Terror." It reflects a pivotal moment in U.S. history and the global fight against terrorism, underscoring the nation's commitment to confronting and defeating those who seek to harm its people and undermine its values.