Lusitania's Impact on US History

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, strained diplomatic relations, and contributed to the US entering the war in 1917.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Having the most lifeboats

• Being the most luxurious ship

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the oldest ship

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

• They were allies with Germany

• They were neutral and favored isolationism

• They immediately joined the war

• They supported both sides

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 was the immediate cause of the Lusitania's sinking?

• A collision with another ship

• A German U-boat torpedo

• A storm at sea

• An onboard fire

How many passengers perished in the Lusitania disaster?

• 128

• 2,000

• 1,959

• 1,198

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

• It was largely ignored

• It sparked international outrage

• It was seen as a minor incident

• It was celebrated

What did the discovery in 2008 reveal about the Lusitania?

• It was carrying live ammunition

• It had no military cargo

• It was carrying only passengers

• It was sunk by a storm

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

• It strained relations and increased tensions

• It led to a peace treaty

• It had no effect

• It improved relations

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take after the Lusitania sinking?

• He allied with Germany

• He ignored the incident

• He declared war immediately

• He sent protests to Germany

What was one of the long-term effects of the Lusitania sinking on the US?

• It led to US isolationism

• It shifted public opinion against Germany

• It caused the US to ally with Germany

• It had no long-term effects