Final answer:
The account of the Lusitania's sinking underscores the loss of life from the German U-boat attack and highlights the political impact it had on shifting American sentiment towards involvement in World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chapter-opening account highlights a tragic maritime disaster, drawing attention to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, a British ocean liner, by a German submarine on May 7, 1915. This event resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives, including 128 American citizens.
The Lusitania was carrying passengers as well as military cargo, comprising a large shipment of ammunition, which made it a target for German submarines during World War I.
Although the Germans had issued warnings about traveling on British ships, most Americans perceived the attack as an act of unprovoked aggression, which significantly swayed public opinion and affected the United States' stance on neutrality in the war.
Moreover, the sinking of civilian vessels by submarines emphasized the brutality and unpredictability of naval warfare during this time, leading to political and public outcry. This pivotal moment in history underscored the growing tensions that ultimately contributed to the United States' entry into World War I.