Lusitania and US Involvement in WWI

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 highlighted Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and sparked controversy over whether the Lusitania was carrying military cargo. This incident shifted US public opinion against Germany, contributing to the US entering the war in 1917.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Having the most lifeboats

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the most luxurious ship

• Being the oldest ship

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

• They were allies with Germany

• They favored isolationism and neutrality

• 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

• Because of thick fog

• To avoid enemy detection

• Due to mechanical failure

What was one of the debated causes of the secondary explosion on the Lusitania?

• A fire in the kitchen

• A collision with another ship

• Coal dust ignition

• A lightning strike

What was the immediate international reaction to the sinking of the Lusitania?

• It sparked international outrage

• It was seen as a minor incident

• It was celebrated by Germany

• It was largely ignored

What did the discovery in 2008 reveal about the Lusitania?

• It was carrying live ammunition

• It was sunk by a storm

• It had no military cargo

• It was carrying only passengers

What was Germany's justification for targeting the Lusitania?

• It was carrying gold

• It was a neutral ship

• It was a legitimate military target

• It was a passenger ship

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

• It made the US more neutral

• It had no effect

• It shifted opinion against Germany

• It increased support for Germany

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take after the sinking?

• He ignored the incident

• He sent protests to Germany

• He declared war immediately

• He allied with Germany

When did the US declare war on Germany?

• Immediately after the sinking

• On April 6, 1917

• In 1916

• In 1918