In September 1907, shortly after twelve, a cruise ship from the Cunard line, the Lusitania, embarked on its maiden voyage from Liverpool to Queenstown, NY. At the time, it the largest ship ever built, weighing 32,000 tons and measuring over 750 feet long. It had the capability to reach 26 knots, and with its 7 passenger decks, it was rightfully given the name, "The Pride of the Cunard Line." This British cargo ship was originally designed to make transatlantic trips, toting passengers and cargo between NY and England. Unfortunately, in May of 1917, its cargo was the deciding factor of the lives of 1,198 of its passengers. (Source 2).
The year is 1915 and WWI is underway. Tensions are growing as the United States tries to remain the neutral power between the Allied countries, France, Russia, and Italy, and the Central Powers, led by Germany and Austria-Hungary. The fateful voyage begins on a drizzly spring morning. The Lusitania boards its passengers and departs from Pier 54, in New York's Lower West End with William Turner as its captain. The deck is suspiciously rigged with twelve 6-inch guns. These were added in 1913 because of the impending war. The ship said to be carrying platinum, bullion, diamonds, and precious stones, along with food, fur, and its passengers. (Source 1).
A warning from Germany was placed directly under the sailing notice. .
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"Travelers intending to embark on the Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone of war includes the waters adjacent to the British Isles; that, in accordance with formal notice given by the Imperial German Government, vessels flying with the flag of Great Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters and that travelers sailing in the war zone on ships of Great Britain or her allies, do so at their own risk." (Imperial German Embassy, Washington, D.