Lusitania

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Lusitania summary

Lusitania

Q: What was the Lusitania ?

The Lusitania was a British passenger ship that was owned by the Cunard Line and was first launched in 1906. Built for the transatlantic passenger trade, it was luxurious and noted for its speed. During World War I the Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo, resulting in great loss of life.

Q: What happened to the Lusitania ?

In May 1915 the British ocean liner was sailing from New York City to Liverpool, England. Following reports of German U-boat activity along the Irish coast, the Lusitania was warned to avoid the area and to adopt the evasive tactic of zigzagging. The captain ignored these recommendations, and the ship was sunk by a torpedo on May 7. Nearly 1,200 people were killed. Learn more in this infographic.

Q: Why did the Lusitania sink so fast?

The ship sank within 20 minutes of being hit by a German torpedo . There has been much speculation about its quick demise, many pointing to the second explosion that occurred after the initial torpedo strike. Some believe damage to the steam room and pipes caused the latter blast, hastening the Lusitania ’s sinking. Others have posited that the ship’s cargo of ammunition exploded.

Q: Why was the Lusitania important?

The British ocean liner’s demise contributed indirectly to the United States’ entry into World War I . In 1915 it was sunk by a German U-boat , resulting in the death of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. Despite outrage over the incident, the U.S. government continued to pursue a policy of neutrality for another two years. However, German submarine warfare was cited when the United States declared war in 1917.

British ship

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 17, 2024 • Article History

What was the Lusitania?

What happened to the Lusitania?

Why did the Lusitania sink so fast?

Why was the Lusitania important?

Lusitania, British ocean liner, the sinking of which by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, contributed indirectly to the entry of the United States into World War I. The Lusitania, which was owned by the Cunard Line, was built to compete for the highly lucrative transatlantic passenger trade. Construction began in 1904, and, after completion of the hull and main superstructure, the Lusitania was launched on June 7, 1906. The liner was completed the following year, at which time it was the largest ship in the world, measuring some 787 feet (240 metres) in length and weighing approximately 31,550 ...(100 of 535 words)

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