The Sinking of the Lusitania

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Recommended: The use of propaganda in World War 2

On May the 7th 1915 the Lusitania sank, taking with it the lives of one thousand, two hundred and one people including ninety-one children and thirty-one infants. Despite the fact that it was the largest and fastest ship at that time, the German torpedo still found its mark off the South Coast of Ireland while the ship was travelling between the United States and England. The failure to prevent the tragedy despite the warnings given, the actions (or lack thereof) of the Admiralty and the neglect in ensuring that the lifeboat system and the ship itself would offer maximum protection; puts the primary blame unto the British Admiralty and the Cunard Company. Firstly, there had been enough warning given for the authorities to take preventative measures. But despite the fact that war had been raging for six months, and a warning from the Imperial German Embassy that was published in the papers (See Document 8) cautioning those travelling in the Atlantic on British ships that they were at risk, the ship still took passengers and sailed. Although the Germans are not to be excused from their part in the tragedy the authorities still had time to take action to protect lives, either by cancelling the voyage or providing adequate protection when reaching the warzone. On top of that British Intelligence had intercepted the recent German code and was able to decipher the messages sent from the submarine to the German head-quarters, which enabled them to know where the U-20 was. There had also been recent attacks on British ships in that area, on the 6th of May the Candidate at 7am and the Centurion at 1pm. (See Document 22 g.) Moreover, despite the warnings and information gathered nothing was done by... ... middle of paper ... ...e to protect the Lusitania, but the outrage that ensued was pointed directly at the Germans. Document 1 provides posters and cartoons showing this response. “Irishmen, avenge the Lusitania, Join an Irish Regiment” one poster read. Was there a better way to rile up the blood and get young men to join other then the merciless killing of innocent people, especially women, children and infants? Although there are still questions that remain unanswered, the evidence so far uncovered and released to the public points to careless indifference to the innocent lives being endangered for political, and financial gain by decisions made by those in power. This can only lead to one conclusion: that the primary responsibility for the sinking and loss of life is not with Germany but rather with the British Admiralty and the Cunard Company.

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