[HOZ]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Terrorism is just a tactic. It is not bound to any religion or race, and it has existed as long as civilization. It's also not easily definable.

Were Viking raids "terrorism"? Barbarian raids on Roman outposts? North American settlers who dispersed natives by the barrel of a gun?

Some media outlets define every single insurgent that attacks a military target in Iraq as a "terrorist". If that is the case, then Western Civilization was built on a terrorism foundation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Terrorists

This category (and subcategories) is for individuals only. For organizations, see Category:Terrorism and List of terrorist organizations.
There exist many different definitions of terrorism, but the article terrorism notes the following most commonly included elements:

• Use of unlawful violence or the threat of unlawful violence.
• Targeting civilians.
• Non-state actor. (See state terrorism instead.)
• Absence of a state of war (specifically conventional warfare), thus excluding war crimes.
• Designed to coerce, frighten, or "send a message" to the public or a government (thus excluding organized crime performed for personal gain).

Individuals listed in this category have verifiably used or attempted to use terrorist tactics, by the above criteria. Self-identification as a "terrorist" is not required; see terrorism for a list of alternative terms, with both positive and negative connotations.

So your categories of Vikings and settlers is wrong. Nevermind the context of history. You idea would mean all great civilisations were built on terrorism. Which they weren't.

The two you stated....
The Vikings conquered as well as raided and pillaged. (Many Kings and lords of Europe can trace their lineage back to the Vikings.) Terrorists don't do these things. They are not out for financial gain.

Settlers were looking for land to "SETTLE". Terrorists could care little for land or settling.