Lusitania's Final Voyage Decisions

On May 6th, the Lusitania entered a war zone off the coast of Ireland without an escort, aiming to reach Liverpool. The next morning, heavy fog forced Captain Turner to slow down and navigate carefully. As the fog lifted, passengers saw the Irish coast, feeling safer. Meanwhile, the German U-20 submarine, commanded by Captain Schwieger, spotted the Lusitania and prepared for an attack. Despite receiving a warning about U-boats, Turner increased speed, inadvertently positioning the ship for an attack. Schwieger fired a torpedo, striking the Lusitania at high speed.

Why did the Lusitania travel without an escort?

• Because it was not considered necessary

• Due to a lack of available escorts

• To maintain its speed

• To avoid detection by enemy ships

What challenge did Captain Turner face due to the fog?

• Inability to communicate with other ships

• Uncertainty about the ship's exact position

• Mechanical issues with the ship

• Difficulty in maintaining speed

How did passengers feel upon seeing the Irish coast?

• Worried about potential attacks

• Indifferent to the sight

• Relieved and excited

• Anxious about the journey ahead

What did Captain Schwieger identify the Lusitania as?

• A military vessel

• A fishing boat

• A cargo ship

• A large passenger liner

What warning did Captain Turner receive from the British Admiralty?

• A storm warning

• A warning about a U-boat in the area

• An order to stop the ship

• A message to change course

What decision did Captain Turner make after receiving the warning?

• To stop the ship

• To change course

• To increase speed towards Liverpool

• To wait for further instructions

What was the U-20's strategy for attacking the Lusitania?

• To attack immediately upon sighting

• To follow the ship closely

• To signal for reinforcements

• To wait in position for an ideal attack

How fast was the Lusitania estimated to be traveling when targeted?

• 15 knots

• 25 knots

• 18 knots

• 22 knots

What was the speed of the torpedo fired at the Lusitania?

• 40 knots

• 35 knots

• 30 knots

• 45 knots

How long would it take for the torpedo to strike the Lusitania?

• Three minutes

• Less than a minute

• Two minutes

• Five minutes