The Lusitania was a British ocean liner that was sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, during World War I. This tragic event, which resulted in the loss of 1,198 lives, became a pivotal moment that fueled anti-German sentiment in the United States and contributed to the push for U.S. involvement in the war.
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The Lusitania was en route from New York to Liverpool when it was torpedoed by the German submarine U-20 off the coast of Ireland.
Of the 1,959 passengers and crew aboard the Lusitania, 128 were American citizens, which heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany.
The sinking of the Lusitania occurred in a context of increasing hostilities, as Germany had declared a war zone around British waters and warned ships to stay away.
In response to the sinking, President Woodrow Wilson called for a strong protest against Germany, urging them to respect international law regarding neutral vessels.
The event significantly shifted American public opinion toward supporting entry into World War I, although the U.S. did not enter the war until April 1917.
Review Questions
How did the sinking of the Lusitania impact U.S. public opinion regarding involvement in World War I?
The sinking of the Lusitania stirred strong emotions among Americans, particularly due to the loss of American lives. This tragedy was used by advocates for entering the war as evidence of German aggression and disregard for neutral rights. The incident contributed significantly to shifting public sentiment from isolationism toward support for U.S. intervention in World War I.
Evaluate the significance of unrestricted submarine warfare in relation to the Lusitania incident and its aftermath.
Unrestricted submarine warfare played a critical role in the sinking of the Lusitania, as it allowed German U-boats to attack ships without warning, violating established maritime laws. This aggressive strategy escalated tensions with neutral nations, particularly the United States. The U.S. response to the Lusitania highlighted growing frustrations with Germany's tactics, which ultimately led to increased calls for military action and involvement in World War I.
Analyze how the Lusitania incident and subsequent events like the Zimmermann Telegram influenced U.S. decision-making leading up to its entry into World War I.
The Lusitania incident and events such as the Zimmermann Telegram created a perfect storm that galvanized U.S. public opinion and political will to enter World War I. The loss of American lives on the Lusitania incited outrage while Germany's secret proposal to Mexico signaled a direct threat to American security. Together, these factors eroded isolationist sentiments and compelled President Wilson to seek a declaration of war against Germany in April 1917, marking a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy.
Related terms
U-boat: A German submarine used during World War I and World War II, notorious for its role in disrupting Allied shipping and commerce.
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: A type of naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels without warning, violating traditional rules of engagement, which significantly impacted neutral nations like the U.S.
A secret diplomatic communication sent by Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States, further inflaming U.S. public opinion against Germany.