Lusitania

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Lusitania was a British ocean liner operated by the Cunard Line. She was launched on 7 June 1906 and was one of the largest and fastest ships in the world at the time. The Lusitania is best known for her tragic sinking on 7 May 1915 by a German U-boat during World War I, which significantly influenced public opinion against Germany and contributed to the United States' entry into the war.

Design and Construction

The Lusitania was designed by Leonard Peskett and built by John Brown & Company at their shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland. She was 787 feet long, had a beam of 87 feet, and a gross tonnage of 31,550 tons. The ship was powered by four steam turbines, which drove four propellers, giving her a top speed of 25 knots.

Service History

The Lusitania made her maiden voyage on 7 September 1907, sailing from Liverpool to New York City. She quickly became popular for her speed and luxury, setting several transatlantic speed records. The ship was part of the Cunard Line's effort to compete with the White Star Line and the German lines for the lucrative transatlantic passenger trade.

Sinking

On 7 May 1915, while en route from New York City to Liverpool, the Lusitania was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-20 off the coast of Ireland. The ship sank in just 18 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 of the 1,959 people on board. Among the dead were 128 Americans, which caused a significant outcry in the United States.

Aftermath

The sinking of the Lusitania had a profound impact on public opinion in the United States and United Kingdom. It was used in Allied propaganda to galvanize support for the war effort. The incident is often cited as a key factor in the United States' decision to enter World War I in 1917.

Legacy

The wreck of the Lusitania lies at a depth of approximately 300 feet off the coast of County Cork, Ireland. It has been the subject of numerous dives and studies, and many artifacts have been recovered. The sinking remains a significant event in maritime and military history.

Related Pages

• Cunard Line
• World War I
• U-boat
• Transatlantic crossing
• White Star Line
• German Empire
• United States