The Magnificent Ship

The Lusitania, “the magnificent ship” was referred to as beauty on a monumental scale. The hull was black and the bridge stood seven stories above the wharf . The Lusitania was a sleek, opulent and speedy ocean liner that was operated strictly for the transatlantic passage of private citizens and for the transport of commercial cargo. Although the British Admiralty had insisted upon the ship being designed with some naval specifications in case it needed to be commandeered by the Navy that need never arose. The Lusitania disaster became an important event in the escalation of World War I and its sinking was pivotal in drawing America into the war, a war in which the U.S. president had for years been adamant that the U.S. maintain its neutrality.

The Cunard company was the owner of the Lusitania and when incorporated into its stable of ocean...