In 1915, a major event occurred that would eventually broaden the participants of the war. The Germans were practicing unrestricted submarine warfare against their enemies in an effort to control the waterways.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. This was a warning that the Germans published that warned travelers of the dangers of traveling by sea, especially in the British Isles. (Click to enlarge and read.)

Source: Lusitania Warning, Wikimedia

On May 7, 1915, German U-boats sank the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, claiming that it contained weapons meant for war against Germany. The attack led to the deaths of 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans. Although the American public was outraged, the United States did not declare war against Germany. The relationship between the two countries, however, was extremely strained.

Image of a drawing that depicts the sinking of the Lusitania.

Source: R.M.S. Lusitania, hit by torpedoes off Kinsale Head, Ireland, Library of Congress

Activity:
Read the warning regarding traveling on the Lusitania. Do you think that the United States should have gone to war against Germany after the attack on the Lusitania? Explain your answer in your notes.