The Lusitania | The Great War

The Sinking of the Lusitania: A Prelude to American Involvement in WWI

The Atmosphere on Board the Lusitania

• The captain and crew of the Lusitania dismissed submarine threats, encouraging passengers to enjoy luxurious amenities aboard the 787-foot liner.

• Passengers engaged in leisure activities such as shuffleboard on lower decks, while first-class travelers enjoyed high tea at the Verandah Café.

British Intelligence and Strategic Decisions

• British intelligence intercepted communications indicating that German submarine U-20 was positioned along the Lusitania's route.

• Despite this knowledge, British officials opted not to send destroyers for escorting the ship into Liverpool, weighing potential political ramifications.

Manipulating Public Sentiment

• Gutierrez suggests that Britain aimed to provoke American involvement in WWI from early on, emphasizing a sense of brotherhood and support needed from America.

The Tragic Attack

• On May 7th, a torpedo struck the Lusitania, causing catastrophic damage; it sank within 18 minutes.

• Aftermath included dead bodies washing ashore and mass graves for many unidentified victims; a total of 1,198 lives were lost, including 128 Americans.

Media Reaction and American Sentiment

• The New York Sun labeled the sinking as “premeditated and dastardly,” while other outlets condemned it as “wholesale murder.”

• Historian Cooper notes that this event brought war closer to Americans' realities, intensifying their resolve to remain neutral despite rising tensions.

Shifting Perspectives on War

• As media coverage increased about wartime atrocities, Americans began contemplating their role in global conflicts amidst fears of barbarism threatening national security.