Final answer:
The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner sunk by a German submarine in 1915, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including 128 Americans. The ship was targeted because it carried military ammunition. This event influenced U.S. public opinion and had implications for America's involvement in World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sinking of the RMS Lusitania on May 7, 1915, is a significant event in World War I history. This British ocean liner was traveling from New York to Great Britain when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, causing it to sink in just under 20 minutes. This led to the loss of over 1,200 lives, including 128 American citizens. The ship was also carrying four million rounds of ammunition in its cargo hold, which, unbeknownst to the passengers, had made it a target for German submarines due to the war munitions onboard. The German government had previously announced that any ship carrying military weapons or equipment was a legitimate target. The tragedy of the Lusitania is often cited for its influence on public opinion and its role in shifting the United States closer to involvement in World War I.