Lecture Notes on "The Creature from Jekyll Island - Chapter 12: Sinking the Lusitania" by G. Edward Griffin

Introduction

• Discussion follows a satirical cartoon and a caricature related to the Rothschilds from previous chapter.
• Overview of Chapter 12: "Sinking the Lusitania".

Key Topics Covered

Origin of World War I

• Origin usually attributed to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand.
• Real causes linked to power dynamics in Europe, arms race, not merely the assassination.

Role of Financial Interests in WWI

• J.P. Morgan’s role in financing England and France.
• England and France's reliance on American loans as the war progressed.
• Morgan’s involvement and profits from war materials.

Threat to Allied Success

• German U-boats' near victory in cutting off Allied supplies.
• Financial crisis in England threatening Morgan’s investments.
• Speculations on US entry into war to protect financial interests.

Secret Agreements and Political Maneuvering

• Colonel Edward Mandel House's secret dealings with British and French officials.
• Secret agreement to involve the US in the war on the Allies' side.
• Wilson’s consideration of war as a step towards international governance.

Propaganda and Public Sentiment

• Extensive media control by Morgan and others to shift public opinion towards war.
• The influence of media and political moves to create a war-friendly public sentiment.

The Lusitania Incident

• The Lusitania was a British passenger liner but also a military auxiliary.
• Carried munitions and was a strategic target for Germany.
• British manipulation of events to lead the US into war.

The Role of Winston Churchill

• Churchill’s naval strategies to provoke Germany.
• Deliberate actions leading to the sinking of the Lusitania.

Aftermath and US Entry into the War

• Public outrage following the sinking of the Lusitania.
• Wilson's administration's steps towards war post-sinking.
• Financial implications of the US war involvement and the Federal Reserve's role.

Conclusion

• Analysis of the motives behind the US entry into World War I.
• Common interests of Churchill, Morgan, House, and Wilson.

Additional Notes

• Reference to a newspaper ad by the German embassy warning about the Lusitania sailing.
• Insight into the political and financial machinations behind America's entry into the war.