The Sinking of the Lusitania
In the early part of the twentieth century, the only way to traverse the Atlantic was by ocean liner. It was a time of fierce competition between rival lines-with passengers expecting not only a speedy crossing, but luxurious accommodations as well. In 1903 Lord Inverclyde created the Cunard Line. Construction soon began on two fast and luxurious liners that were to challenge the German vessels that had held the 'Blue Riband' since 1897. The resulting sisterships RMS Lusitania and RMS Mauretania would be a firm reassertion of British supremacy at sea.Launched at the River Clyde in June 16, 1906, RMS Lusitania was a grand ship and the first of the two sister ships to be launched. At 785 feet in length and 31,550 gross tons, she took the title of largest liner afloat. Her maiden voyage took place September 7, 1907, and in October 1907 she recaptured the coveted 'Blue Riband' from the German liner Deutschland, which Britain had failed to obtain since the industrialization of Germany. The construction of Lusitania was financed by generous loans from the British government. In return for the generous loans, the Admiralty could requisition Lusitania or her sister in times of war. This would be key in t
More than a thousand lives and 139 Americans were lost. Germany's case was this: First of all the Lusitania was a registered part of the part of the Royal Naval Reserve. No one realized at the time that on April 30,1915 the German U-20, under the command of Chief Officer Schwieger, had left the port of Emden, with a mission to search and destroy troops and provisions leaving Liverpool and Bristol for the North Sea via the Scottish coast. Another important factor in determining the legitimacy of the German attack is the debate as to whether or not guns were actually present on the Lusitania at the time of her sinking. Captain Turner changed course slightly and brought her in close to the Irish coast. Many immediately tried to escape in lifeboats but were unsuccessful because they kept overturning. On board when the ship departed were 1959 people, 159 of them American citizens. citizens but blaming the British government for its ". Berlin had apologized, expressing sympathy for the death of U. It was around this time that the U-20 stumbled upon the Lusitania. It was one of Britain prize ships and known to be apart of the navy, Captain Schwieger jumped at the chance to sink it. He also noted a second large explosion followed by smoke. The Lusitania left New York harbor on May 1, 1915, nobody was expecting the tragedy that was soon to occur.
Common topics in this essay:
International Law,
Woodrow Wilson's,
Captain U-20,
World War,
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German Embassy,
Lusitania Lusitania,
Deutschland Britain,
Turner Lusitania,
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captain turner,
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irish coast,
submarine warfare,
generous loans,
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