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RMS Lusitania FAQs

RMS Lusitania
  • How fast could the RMS Lusitania travel, and what was its top speed? Answer: The RMS Lusitania could travel at a maximum speed of around 25 knots (29 miles per hour), making it one of the fastest ocean liners of its time.


  • How long did it take to build the RMS Lusitania, and where was it built? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was built by the shipbuilding company John Brown & Co. in Clydebank, Scotland. Construction began in 1904 and the ship was launched in 1906, taking a total of approximately two years to build.


  • What was the overall size of the RMS Lusitania, and how much did it weigh? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was approximately 790 feet long and 88 feet wide, with a displacement of around 44,000 tons. It weighed approximately 31,550 tons when fully loaded.


  • What happened to the wreckage of the RMS Lusitania, and is it possible to visit the site? Answer: The wreckage of the RMS Lusitania is located off the coast of Ireland and is considered a war grave, with the remains of many of the ship's passengers and crew still inside. It is not generally accessible to divers or other visitors due to its protected status.


  • When and where did the RMS Lusitania sink, and how many people were killed? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland on May 7, 1915, during World War I. Of the approximately 1,959 people aboard the ship, 1,198 were killed in the attack.


  • Why did the Germans sink the RMS Lusitania, and was it a surprise attack? Answer: The Germans sank the RMS Lusitania because they believed it was carrying war materials, despite the fact that it was primarily a passenger liner. While warnings had been issued that the ship was at risk of attack, many passengers were still surprised by the suddenness of the attack. In 1982 it was ackowledged that potent war materials were aboard and pose a risk to anyone visiting the shipwreck.


  • How did the sinking of the RMS Lusitania impact public opinion of Germany and the war effort? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania was widely reported in the media and contributed to a shift in public opinion against Germany, both in the United States and in other countries. Many people saw the attack as an example of Germany's disregard for civilian life and the rules of war.

  • What was the process of evacuating passengers and crew from the RMS Lusitania during the sinking, and how effective was it? Answer: The evacuation process from the RMS Lusitania during the sinking was chaotic and disorganized, with many passengers and crew struggling to escape the sinking ship. Despite the heroic efforts of some crew members and passengers, most lives were lost due to the speed and severity of the sinking - all taking less than 20 minutes.

  • How has the sinking of the RMS Lusitania been commemorated and remembered over the years? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania has been commemorated and remembered in a variety of ways over the years, including through memorials, documentaries, and works of art and literature.

  • What was the experience of traveling on the RMS Lusitania like for passengers, particularly in terms of accommodations and amenities? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was known for offering luxurious and comfortable accommodations for its passengers. The ship also had multiple classes of accommodations, ranging from spacious suites to more basic cabins. Due to the direct drive engine design, the Lusitania suffered from excessive vibrations, which affected the 3rd class based on cabin location in the aft of the ship.

  • What were the safety protocols and measures in place on the RMS Lusitania to prevent accidents or disasters at sea? Answer: The RMS Lusitania had a number of safety measures in place to prevent accidents or disasters at sea, including a comprehensive system of watertight compartments and doors, as well as lifeboats and life jackets for all passengers and crew.

  • What impact did the sinking of the RMS Lusitania have on the shipping industry and the regulation of ocean travel? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania had a significant impact on the shipping industry and the regulation of ocean travel - in both peace and war. It prompted increased scrutiny of safety measures on ocean liners, as well as new regulations and standards for ship design and construction.

  • What impact did the sinking of the RMS Lusitania have on international relations and diplomacy, particularly between the United States and Great Britain? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania had a significant impact on international relations and diplomacy, particularly between the United States and Great Britain. It helped to solidify the alliance between the two countries during World War I, and laid the groundwork for future cooperation and collaboration.

  • How many lifeboats did the RMS Lusitania have, and how many people could they accommodate? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was equipped with 22 lifeboats and many other collapsable craft which could accommodate a total of around 2,606 people. Unfortunately, although this was enough to save all of the passengers and crew in the event of an emergency, the rapid sinking made evacuation near impossible for everyone.

  • How many first-class, second-class, and third-class passengers could the RMS Lusitania accommodate? Answer: The RMS Lusitania had accommodations for approximately 550 first-class passengers, 460 second-class passengers, and 1,186 third-class passengers.

  • How many funnels did the RMS Lusitania have, and were they purely decorative or functional? Answer: The RMS Lusitania had four large funnels, which were both functional and decorative. Two of the funnels were used for the ship's steam turbines, while the other two were used to vent exhaust gases from the boilers.

  • How many watertight compartments did the RMS Lusitania have, and were they effective in preventing the ship from sinking? Answer: The RMS Lusitania had a total of 24 watertight compartments, which were designed to prevent the ship from sinking in the event of a hull breach. However, they proved ineffective when the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1915, and the ship sank in just 18 minutes.

  • How many crew members did the RMS Lusitania have, and what were their responsibilities? Answer: The RMS Lusitania had a crew of approximately 850 people, including officers, engineers, stewards, and other staff. Their responsibilities included operating the ship's engines and machinery, providing food and drink to passengers, maintaining the ship's cleanliness and safety, and overseeing various other aspects of the ship's operation.

  • What was the RMS Lusitania and how did it fit into the history of ocean liners? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner that was built in the early 20th century. It was one of the largest and fastest ships of its time, and was designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable travel experience for its passengers. The Lusitania played an important role in the history of ocean liners, representing a major milestone in the evolution of shipbuilding and travel technology.


  • What was the fate of the RMS Lusitania, and how did its sinking impact the course of World War I? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was famously torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, resulting in the loss of over 1,100 lives. The sinking of the Lusitania was a major turning point in World War I, as it led to increased public outcry and ultimately helped to bring the United States into the conflict.


  • What kind of amenities and features did the RMS Lusitania offer to its passengers? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was designed to offer a range of luxurious amenities to its passengers, including spacious staterooms, elegant dining rooms, and a variety of entertainment options such as a swimming pool, Turkish baths, and a grand ballroom. The ship was also equipped with the latest technology, including wireless telegraph, steam turbine engines, and passenger lifts/elevators.


  • How did the design and construction of the RMS Lusitania compare to other ocean liners of its time? Answer: The RMS Lusitania was among the most advanced ocean liners of its era, incorporating a new direct-drive steam turbine engine design, the first large passenger vessel to utilize this new technology. The ship also featured a sleek and streamlined design, which helped to reduce drag and improve its speed.


  • How did the sinking of the RMS Lusitania impact public opinion and perceptions about ocean liners and travel by sea? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania had a profound impact on public opinion and perceptions about ocean liners and travel by sea. It led to increased fears and concerns about safety and security on ocean liners, and prompted many travelers to reconsider the risks and benefits of traveling by sea during war.


  • How did the RMS Lusitania's speed and size compare to other ocean liners of its time? Answer: At the time of its launch in 1906, the RMS Lusitania was one of the largest and fastest ships in the world, with a length of over 700 feet and a top speed of over 25 knots. It was designed to compete with other major ocean liners of its time, such as the German Four-Flyers, and the new Olympic and Titanic.


  • What kind of cargo and supplies did the RMS Lusitania carry on its voyages, in addition to passengers? Answer: In addition to passengers, the RMS Lusitania carried a variety of cargo and supplies on its voyages, including mail, food, and other goods. During World War I, the ship was also allegedly used to transport munitions and other military supplies.


  • How did the sinking of the RMS Lusitania impact the political and military landscape of World War I? Answer: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania had significant political and military ramifications for World War I. It helped to shift public opinion in the United States against Germany, and ultimately led to the United States entering the war. It also prompted the development of new military strategies and technologies for submarine warfare.

  • What was the fate of the captain of the German submarine that sank the RMS Lusitania, and were any efforts made to recover the ship's cargo or other items from the wreckage? Answer: The captain of the German submarine that sank the RMS Lusitania, Walther Schwieger, was hailed as a hero in Germany and continued to serve in the German navy until he was killed in action in 1917. No significant efforts were made to recover cargo or other items from the wreckage, which has remained largely undisturbed since the sinking, although some artifacts have since been recovered, such as a propeller.

  • How long did it take for the RMS Lusitania to sink, and what was the cause of its rapid sinking? Answer: The RMS Lusitania sank in just 18 minutes after being hit by a torpedo from a German submarine. The rapid sinking was accelerated by a second explosion near the intital impact.

  • How did survivors of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania escape, and were there any heroic efforts made to save passengers? Answer: Many survivors of the sinking were able to escape in lifeboats, while others were rescued by nearby ships. Some passengers also reported acts of heroism among the crew, including one steward who reportedly helped save many lives by throwing deck chairs into the water to use as makeshift rafts.

  • What was the reaction of the British government to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, and did it have any effect on the outcome of the war? A: The sinking of the RMS Lusitania was a significant blow to the British government and led to increased pressure on the government to take stronger action against Germany. While it did not directly lead to the end of the war, it was one of many factors that contributed to the eventual Allied victory.

  • Is the Lusitania shipwreck intact? Answer: The wreck of the Lusitania has been deteriorating, and has been described as swiss cheese due to the fact that during WW2 the Royal Navy had repeatedly fired depth charges thinking that the wreck was an enemy submarine - an ultimate twist of irony.

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