Lusitania's Impact on World War I

The Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner, was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, leading to over a thousand deaths. This event, amid Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, sparked international outrage, especially in the US, where 128 Americans died. The sinking shifted US public opinion against Germany, contributing to the US entering World War I in 1917. The Lusitania was later found to have been carrying military cargo, confirming Germany's claims of it being a legitimate target.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the most luxurious ship

• Having the most lifeboats

• Being the oldest ship

What was the United States' stance at the beginning of World War I?

• They were actively involved

• They favored isolationism

• They supported Germany

• They declared war on Britain

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

• Due to mechanical failure

• To avoid German submarines

• To save fuel

• Because of thick fog

What caused the secondary explosion on the Lusitania?

• Coal dust, steam boilers, or munitions

• A second torpedo

• 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 led to immediate US entry into the war

• It was ignored by the public

• It sparked international outrage

• It was seen as a justified military action

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-German relations?

• It strained relations and increased tensions

• It had no effect

• It led to a peace treaty

• It improved diplomatic ties

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take after the sinking?

• He supported Germany's actions

• He declared war on Germany

• He sent protests to Germany

• He ignored the incident

What role did the sinking of the Lusitania play in the US entering World War I?

• It played a pivotal role in shifting public opinion

• It was the sole reason for entering the war

• It delayed US entry into the war

• It had no impact on the decision