The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was established to unify and coordinate the efforts of various government agencies to protect the United States from terrorist threats and improve national security, as intelligence sharing and coordination were insufficient before 9/11. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 officially created DHS, consolidating 22 agencies into a single Cabinet department with the primary mission to safeguard the American people against terrorist attacks and other threats. The creation of DHS represented the most significant U.S. government reorganization in over 50 years, aiming to provide a unified and flexible response to evolving threats, including terrorism, natural disasters, and cybersecurity challenges.
