Lusitania's Impact on US Involvement

The Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner, was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, leading to over a thousand deaths. This event, amid Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, sparked international outrage, especially in the US, where 128 Americans died. The sinking shifted US public opinion against Germany, contributing to the US entering World War I in 1917. The Lusitania's sinking highlighted the tensions between maintaining neutrality and responding to acts of aggression, ultimately influencing the US's decision to join the war.

What was the Lusitania known for during its time?

• Being the fastest and largest ship

• Being the oldest ship still in service

• Having the most luxurious cabins

• Being the smallest ship of its era

What was the United States' stance at the beginning of World War I?

• They favored isolationism and neutrality

• They immediately declared war on Britain

• They were eager to join the war

• They supported Germany

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

• To avoid detection by submarines

• To conserve fuel

• Because of thick fog

• Due to mechanical failure

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

• A storm at sea

• A torpedo attack followed by a secondary explosion

• A fire on board

• A collision with another ship

How many passengers perished in the sinking of the Lusitania?

• 1,959

• 128

• 1,198

• 2,000

What was Germany's justification for attacking the Lusitania?

• It was carrying military cargo

• It was a passenger ship with no military significance

• It was a threat to German submarines

• It was violating international waters

What discovery in 2008 confirmed suspicions about the Lusitania?

• The ship was sunk by a mine

• The ship was carrying no passengers

• The ship had live ammunition on board

• The ship was carrying gold

What was one of the effects of the Lusitania's sinking on US public opinion?

• It increased support for Germany

• It led to immediate US entry into the war

• It shifted opinion against Germany

• It had no effect on public opinion

What action did President Woodrow Wilson take following the Lusitania incident?

• He declared war on Germany

• He sent protests to Germany demanding compensation

• He ignored the incident

• He allied with Germany

When did the United States declare war on Germany?

• In 1918

• On April 6, 1917

• In 1915

• Immediately after the Lusitania sank