Final answer:
The term terrorism was originally applied to a form of terrorism perpetrated by the State during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution. It is now widely associated with non-state actors like al-Qaeda and ISIS, and encompasses various types, including religious and separatist terrorism.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the term terrorism was first used, it was applied to a form of terrorism perpetrated by the State (answer: C). This historical use of the term is associated with the period of the French Revolution, specifically the Reign of Terror, during which the revolutionary government used systematic state terror against perceived enemies of the revolution, leading to mass executions and various forms of political repression.
Terrorism has evolved to include various types, such as Separatist Group Terrorism, Religious Terrorism, and Terrorism perpetrated by individuals. It represents the use or threat of violence by non-state actors to influence citizens or governments in the pursuit of political or social change. However, at its inception, the term was distinctly attributed to state actions designed to instill fear in the population.
Today, terrorism is a major global concern, with organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS using terrorism to further their ideological and religious objectives, leading to a significant impact on international security and geopolitics.