Lusitania and US Involvement in WWI

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 World War I in 1917.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Being the oldest ship

• Having the most lifeboats

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the most luxurious ship

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

• They supported both sides

• They immediately joined the war

• They were neutral and favored isolationism

• They were allies with Germany

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

• Because of thick fog

• To avoid detection by submarines

• To save fuel

• Due to mechanical failure

What was the immediate cause of the Lusitania's sinking?

• A storm at sea

• An onboard fire

• A collision with another ship

• A German U-boat torpedo

How many passengers perished in the Lusitania disaster?

• 1,198

• 1,959

• 128

• 2,000

What was the reaction in the US to the sinking of the Lusitania?

• It sparked international outrage

• It was celebrated

• It was seen as a minor incident

• It was largely ignored

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 led to an immediate declaration of war

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

• It had no long-term effects

• It shifted public opinion against Germany

• It led to US isolationism

• It caused the US to ally with Germany