What happened during the sinking of the lusitania?

Answer 1

The Lusitania was torpedoed on May 7th 1915, by the German U-Boat U-20.

What is not as widely known is that Germany had given many public warnings, even going so far as to publish those warnings in American Newspapers for some time prior to the sinking of the Lusitania, that any vessel found entering their controlled waters would be subject to immediate attack. Despite this the Lusitania was sent out to be destroyed to sway public opinion about entering the war. It was found that the Lusitania was carrying munitions and so was supporting their enemy and a military target.

BUT, later, a German U-boat sunk an Italian liner without warning, killing 272 people, including 27 Americans, which turned US public opinion against Germany. And in a third attack, Germans sunk the American liner Housatonic.

So while people still argue that the Lusitania was carrying about 173 tons of war munitions for Britain, Germany had no excuse for sinking other ships. The Lusitania argument is largely viewed as merely an excuse only found in the aftermath of Lusitania's loss.

Answer 2

There were not enough lifeboats available for use - those on the starboard side swung out to far from the ship to be boarded safely, and many others overturned during loading or lowering - so that of 48 lifeboats only 6 were successfully lowered.

Answer 3

Captain Turner was one of the survivors; he had insisted on remaining on the bridge of the ship until it sank. Three hours later he was found in the water by a lifeboat and was pulled from the water unconscious.

Answer 4

After the Lusitania was sunk, America turned against Germany. This played a big part in the United States eventually (in 1917) joining World War I.

Answer 5

It was sunk by German submarines and is the reason why the U.S.A. declared war on Germany and entered World War 1.

Answer 6

The Lusatania was a American ship that sank and everyone blamed it on Germany. It killed 1,198 people including 139 Americans. It was one of the reasons America joined the war. :)