The RMS Lusitania, a British liner, was torpedoed by a German submarine on May 7, 1915, leading to the deaths of over 1,200 passengers, including 128 Americans, which significantly swayed the American public's view on World War I.
On May 7, 1915, the RMS Lusitania, a prestigious British ocean liner known for its voyages between New York and England, met a tragic end when it was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine.
The attack resulted in the ship sinking in approximately 18 minutes off the coast of Ireland. Among the over 1,200 passengers who perished in this devastating event, 128 were American citizens. This incident caused a significant public outcry, particularly in the United States, and contributed to the shifting public opinion regarding involvement in World War I.
The sinking of the Lusitania was seen as a breach of international laws and conventions and led to widespread condemnation. The Jury's verdict highlighted the magnitude of the loss and the signalled crime contributing to the tragic end of the 'unsinkable' Titanic. Subsequent enlistment campaigns emphasized the need for justice and encouraged participation in the war effort to combat such atrocities.