Early in the 20th century, a British ocean liner called the Lusitania was the largest ship afloat. It set speed records for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. In 1915, however, the 32,000-ton steamship met a disastrous end while carrying passengers from New York to Liverpool, England. A German submarine sank the Lusitania, killing about 1,200 people. More than 120 Americans died, and the event contributed to the later decision by the United States to participate in World War I.

Warnings

Germany and Great Britain were at war with one another in 1915. Shortly before the Lusitania set sail, the German government issued a statement to Americans that British ships were subject to attack. Only one of the passengers, however, took the warning seriously enough to cancel his trip.

Likewise, British naval authorities had warned the crew of the Lusitania about the sinking of merchant ships off the south coast of Ireland and about reports of submarine activity there. They recommended that the ship avoid that area and change its course every few minutes to confuse any enemies. The crew ignored this advice, however.

Attack

Shortly after 2:00 in the afternoon on May 7, 1915, the Lusitania ventured northward toward the Irish Sea. The coast of Ireland was in view, and many passengers were walking on deck. Suddenly, a crew member's cry warned of an incoming torpedo. The ship took a direct hit, and a violent explosion followed. The torpedo had come from a German submarine some 700 yards (640 meters) away. Within 20 minutes the Lusitania had sunk.

Aftermath

At the time of the Lusitania attack, the United States was not involved in World War I. Therefore, the loss of American lives made many Americans very angry. The Germans defended their attack, however. They pointed out that the Lusitania had been carrying rifle ammunition and shells in addition to passengers. Because the ship was apparently transporting supplies to their enemy, they said that they had the right to attack it.

The Lusitania event made people wonder if the United States would end its neutral position and fight against Germany. Although the U.S. government did send angry notes to Germany after the incident, the United States did not enter World War I until 1917. At that time it cited German submarine warfare as one of the reasons for its decision.