Lusitania
A British ocean liner that was sunk by a German U-boat, this contributed to the American entry into WWI
Real World Example
The Lusitania was a British passenger ship that was sunk by a German submarine in 1915 during World War I. This event resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, including 128 Americans, which heightened tensions between the United States and Germany. The sinking of the Lusitania played a significant role in turning American public opinion against Germany, eventually leading to the U.S. joining the war. It represented the dangers of unrestricted submarine warfare and the vulnerability of civilian lives during wartime. Today, it reminds us of the importance of international laws and agreements, like the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect civilians in conflicts, demonstrating the ongoing need for diplomatic efforts to prevent similar tragedies.