Lusitania incident

Definition

The Lusitania incident refers to the sinking of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, during World War I. This event had significant implications for public opinion regarding the war and contributed to the shifting stance of the United States from neutrality toward involvement in the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lusitania was carrying both passengers and munitions when it was sunk, leading to the deaths of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans.
2. The sinking sparked outrage in the United States and was used by proponents of entering the war to rally support for military action against Germany.
3. Germany defended the attack by claiming that the ship was a legitimate target due to its cargo of weapons and ammunition.
4. The incident highlighted the dangers of unrestricted submarine warfare and raised questions about maritime law and civilian safety during wartime.
5. Although it did not immediately bring the U.S. into the war, it significantly shifted public opinion against Germany and increased pressure on President Woodrow Wilson to take action.

Review Questions

• How did the Lusitania incident influence American public opinion regarding World War I?
  • The Lusitania incident had a profound effect on American public opinion by showcasing the dangers of German U-boat attacks on civilian ships. The loss of American lives in the sinking fueled outrage and sympathy towards Britain, leading many Americans to advocate for entering the war. This growing discontent with Germany's actions gradually shifted public sentiment from neutrality toward a more interventionist stance.
• Discuss the implications of unrestricted submarine warfare as demonstrated by the Lusitania incident for international maritime law.
  • The Lusitania incident underscored significant challenges to international maritime law, particularly regarding the protection of civilian lives at sea. Unrestricted submarine warfare challenged established norms by allowing military vessels to attack civilian ships without warning, leading to debates about legality and morality in warfare. The incident prompted calls for stricter regulations on naval engagements to ensure civilian safety, shaping future international maritime policies.
• Evaluate how the Lusitania incident, along with other factors like the Zimmermann Telegram, contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I.
  • The Lusitania incident was pivotal in turning American sentiment against Germany, but it was not an isolated event. The combination of this tragedy with revelations from the Zimmermann Telegram—where Germany sought an alliance with Mexico against the U.S.—created a climate of fear and urgency. Together, these events eroded support for neutrality and united various factions within America that were advocating for entry into World War I. By April 1917, these escalating pressures culminated in President Wilson asking Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.

Related terms

U-boat: A German submarine used during World War I and II, known for its role in naval warfare and targeting enemy shipping.

Zimmermann Telegram: A secret diplomatic communication sent by Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States, which further inflamed American public sentiment against Germany.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: A type of naval warfare where submarines sink vessels without warning, including civilian ships, which was a major factor in the escalation of tensions between Germany and neutral countries like the United States.