Final answer:
The terrorists saw the first attack on the World Trade Center as a success in causing destruction and terror, targeting symbols of American power. The follow-up global response, however, showcased the resilience against terrorism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terrorists behind the attacks on September 11, 2001, viewed their first attack on the World Trade Center as a success in terms of causing massive physical destruction and psychological terror in the United States. Al-Qaeda, under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, orchestrated the hijacking of four commercial airliners. While the attacks were intended to strike fear and demonstrate power, whether they achieved the objective of terrorizing Americans beyond that day is debateable, with the aftermath including a strong response from the U.S. and the initiation of the War on Terror.
The World Trade Center symbolized economic strength and American prowess, and its destruction had substantial symbolic implications, indicating the terrorists' intention to attack not just physical structures, but also icons of American power and prosperity. The attack claimed nearly 3,000 lives and spurred a global military response aimed at decimating Al-Qaeda and associated terrorist networks. Ultimately, the terrorists perceived the attack as a monumental success, but the resilience and response of the American people and the global community would prove to be a powerful countermeasure in the ongoing struggle against terrorism.