Lusitania Sinking and Its Impact

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 eventually joining 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 oldest ship

• Being the most luxurious ship

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

• They immediately joined the war

• They were neutral and favored isolationism

• They supported both sides

• They were allies with Germany

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

• To save fuel

• To avoid German submarines

• Due to mechanical failure

• Because of thick fog

What caused the secondary explosion on the Lusitania?

• A second torpedo

• Coal dust, steam boilers, or munitions

• A fire in the engine room

• A collision with another ship

How many passengers perished in the sinking of the Lusitania?

• 128

• 1,959

• 2,000

• 1,198

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

• It sparked international outrage and condemnation

• It was seen as a justified military action

• It was ignored by the public

• It led to immediate US entry into the war

What did the discovery in 2008 reveal about the Lusitania?

• It was sunk by a mine

• It was carrying only passengers

• It had no military cargo

• It was carrying live ammunition

How did the sinking of the Lusitania affect US-German relations?

• It led to a peace treaty

• It strained relations and increased tensions

• It had no effect

• It improved relations

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take after the sinking?

• He declared war immediately

• He sent protests to Germany

• He ignored the incident

• He allied with Germany

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

• It was the sole reason for entering the war

• It played a pivotal role in shifting public opinion

• It delayed the US entry into the war

• It had no impact on the decision