Sinking of the Lusitania

The Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner, was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, leading to over a thousand deaths. This event, amid World War I, caused international outrage, especially in the US, where 128 Americans died. The sinking shifted US public opinion against Germany, strained diplomatic relations, and contributed to the US entering the war in 1917. The Lusitania was later found to have carried military cargo, confirming German claims of it being a legitimate target.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the oldest ship

• Being the most luxurious ship

• Having the most lifeboats

What was the US stance at the beginning of World War I?

• They were allies with Germany

• They were neutral and favored isolationism

• They supported both sides

• They immediately joined the war

Why was the Lusitania traveling at a reduced speed on May 7, 1915?

• To save fuel

• To avoid German submarines

• Because of thick fog

• Due to mechanical failure

What caused the secondary explosion on the Lusitania?

• A second torpedo

• Coal dust, steam boilers, or munitions

• An onboard fire

• A collision with another ship

How many passengers perished in the sinking of the Lusitania?

• 1,198

• 2,000

• 1,959

• 128

What was the reaction in the United States to the sinking of the Lusitania?

• It was seen as a minor incident

• It was celebrated

• It sparked international outrage

• It was largely ignored

What did the discovery in 2008 reveal about the Lusitania?

• It had no military cargo

• It was sunk by a mine

• It was carrying only passengers

• It was carrying live ammunition

How did the sinking of the Lusitania affect US public opinion?

• It increased support for Germany

• It shifted opinion against Germany

• It had no effect

• It led to immediate US entry into the war

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take after the sinking?

• Ignored the incident

• Sent protests to Germany

• Declared war on Germany

• Joined the Central Powers

When did the US declare war on Germany?

• In 1918

• On April 6, 1917

• In 1915

• Immediately after the sinking