Lecture on the Sinking of RMS Lusitania

Overview of the Lusitania

• Built in Germany, the G6 torpedo was 50 cm in diameter.
• Powered by a wet heater engine using compressed air mixed with decahydronaphthalene.
• Equipped with a 353 lb (160 kg) TNT hexite explosive charge.
• Fired by a German submarine at the Lusitania, causing devastating impact.

The Voyage of Lusitania

• Lusitania, a proud Cunard Line ship, was a household name.
• Left New York on May 1, 1915, heading to Liverpool.
• The ship entered a war zone where unrestricted submarine warfare was declared by Germany.
• Captain William Turner was confident in Lusitania's speed.
• The ship sailed slower than its top speed due to economic and coal shortages.
• Famous passengers included Alfred Vanderbilt, Albert Hubbard, and others.

The Attack

• May 7, 1915, Lusitania was hit by a torpedo from German submarine U-20 commanded by Walter Schwieger.
• 18 minutes after the torpedo impact, Lusitania sank.
• The loss was devastating, with approximately 1,200 casualties out of nearly 2,000 passengers and crew.

Key Factors Leading to the Sinking

• The Lusitania was sailing at a reduced speed.
• The ship's course was a straight line rather than zigzagging as advised.
• The ship's captain, Turner, was cautious due to fog and did not zigzag.
• The torpedo hit caused a second internal explosion.

The Aftermath

• Immediate and massive flooding caused the ship to list and sink rapidly.
• Lifeboats were inadequately launched due to the listing of the ship.
• Only 6 of the 22 lifeboats were successfully launched.

Rescue Efforts

• Admiral Charles Henry Coke coordinated the rescue from Queenstown.
• Affected by the delay due to the threat of further submarine attacks.
• 763 survivors were rescued by small boats.

Impact and Legacy

• The sinking shocked the world and influenced public opinion about Germany and submarine warfare.
• The loss of Lusitania contributed to the U.S. joining World War I.
• The British government faced criticism over its handling of the event.

Historical Significance

• The sinking of Lusitania marked a shift in naval warfare, demonstrating the power and ruthlessness of submarine attacks.
• It highlighted the vulnerabilities of civilian ships in war zones.
• The event is remembered as a tragic loss of life and a turning point in WWI.