The subsequent tragedy - one torpedo, and the great ship sank in just 18 minutes, taking more than a thousand lives with it - was a turning point that helped bring the hesitant United States closer to entering the war. World War I was raging in Europe, but the passengers on the world's fastest liner were sure they were in no danger - despite a warning from the German Embassy in Washington that "travellers sailing in the war zone on the ships of Great Britain or her allies do so at their own risk." Even the Lusitania 's captain, William Turner, said his vessel was too fast for submarines to pose a threat.īut at that very moment, the German sub designated U-20 was heading towards the Irish Sea, on a collision course with the Lusitania.
The luxury liner Lusitania departed New York City en route for Liverpool on May 1, 1915. Your purchase helps support NPR programming. Close overlay Buy Featured Book Title Dead Wake Subtitle The Last Crossing of the Lusitania Author Erik Larson
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