The RMS Lusitania was a passenger ship that was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 1,198 people onboard including many passengers. While it was mainly a passenger ship, it was found to be secretly carrying ammunition for Allied soldiers. This controversial cargo, along with the large loss of American lives, contributed to the United States entering World War 1. The sinking occurred relatively close to the Irish coast and the ship sank very quickly after being hit by two torpedoes, one of which caused a cargo explosion.

1. The RMS Lusitania Josie Ellison and Cody Walker

2. History The Lusitania was said to be a passenger ship running blockades with supplies for Britain Later it was found to be carrying Military supplies It was the major reason for Americas entrance into the war.

3. Purpose Mainly a passenger ship But was known to be carrying ammunition for Allied soldiers. (actual Bullets retrieved from the Lusitania)

4. Passengers 1,959 passengers and crew aboard, 1,198 perished. On board were many important people including Charles Frohman (distinguished theater manager) and Alfred G. Vanderbilt.

5. Controversy of Cargo The British cunard men denied the armament of the Lusitania. Yet search of the vessel revealed “Ammunition that for decades British and American officials said didn't exist.”(Sides)

6. German Justification It was warned that any ship traveling the British Isles was liable to be sunk, most passengers ignored this message. It was known to be carrying munitions.

7. Dimensions Overall length- 787ft Length between perpendiculars-760ft Width-87ft 6 inches Draught-33ft 6 inches Tonnage-31,550.47 tons Displacement- 44,060

8. Sinking Facts Travelling 8 knots below full speed in well known German sub patrolled area. Most believed it was sunk by 2 torpedo hits not a cargo explosion. (due to propaganda)

9. Sinking Facts (cont.) Sank within 18 minutes of the first Torpedo hit. Second explosion was a cargo explosion, not a torpedo. Sank forward Deaths were from rapid sinking. (unlike the Titanic, there was an adequate number of life-boats) 12 miles from the Irish coast 303 feet below the surface

10. American Involvement! Around 200 Americans were on the Lusitania 114 of the Americans onboard died including a Harvard professor and a New York politician Along with the Zimmerman telegram, it brought America into the war.

11. 1918 vintage animation of the 1915 event by Winsor McCay