the response to the sinking of the lusitania
Among those who perished on the Lusitania, were people from many countries, not just citizens of America and Britain. The public in many different countries were furious. Riots occurred and many stores refused to serve Germans. Americans were particularly angry because 128 Americans died on that ship. Anti-German protests began in America.
The United States government sent four protests to the German government. This is from the first protest.
"In view of recent acts of the German authorities in violation of American rights on the high seas which culminated in the torpedoing and sinking of the British steamship Lusitania on May 7, 1915, by which over 100 American citizens lost their lives, it is clearly wise and desirable that the government of the United States and the Imperial German government should come to a clear and full understanding as to the grave situation which has resulted."
(Source: Primary Documents - U.S. Protest Over the Sinking of the Lusitania, 13 May 1915)
The United States government sent four protests to the German government. This is from the first protest.
"In view of recent acts of the German authorities in violation of American rights on the high seas which culminated in the torpedoing and sinking of the British steamship Lusitania on May 7, 1915, by which over 100 American citizens lost their lives, it is clearly wise and desirable that the government of the United States and the Imperial German government should come to a clear and full understanding as to the grave situation which has resulted."
(Source: Primary Documents - U.S. Protest Over the Sinking of the Lusitania, 13 May 1915)
Germany's Response to the Sinking of the Lusitania
Here is an excerpt from Germany's response to the sinking of the Lusitania.
"With regard to the loss of life when the British passenger steamer Lusitania was sunk, the German Government has already expressed its deep regret to the neutral Governments concerned that nationals of those countries lost their lives on that occasion. The Government of the United States proceeds on the assumption that the Lusitania is to be considered as an ordinary unarmed merchant vessel. The Imperial Government begs in this connection to point out that the Lusitania was one of the largest and fastest English commerce steamers, constructed with Government funds as auxiliary cruisers, and is expressly included in the navy list published by the British Admiralty." (Source: Primary Documents - German Government's Response to the Sinking of the Lusitania, 28 May 1915)
Countries around the world were outraged with this terrible tragedy and were furious at Germany for the loss of all these innocent lives. This news was spreading around the world and the German government felt it needed to defend itself. Germany made two claims. The first one stated that the Lusitania was armed, which was soon proven to be false. The second claim was that the Lusitania was carrying munition that would be used against Germany. The British stated that this claim was also false, but then, many years later, it was discovered to be true. (This information was found in secret British papers.)
"With regard to the loss of life when the British passenger steamer Lusitania was sunk, the German Government has already expressed its deep regret to the neutral Governments concerned that nationals of those countries lost their lives on that occasion. The Government of the United States proceeds on the assumption that the Lusitania is to be considered as an ordinary unarmed merchant vessel. The Imperial Government begs in this connection to point out that the Lusitania was one of the largest and fastest English commerce steamers, constructed with Government funds as auxiliary cruisers, and is expressly included in the navy list published by the British Admiralty." (Source: Primary Documents - German Government's Response to the Sinking of the Lusitania, 28 May 1915)
Countries around the world were outraged with this terrible tragedy and were furious at Germany for the loss of all these innocent lives. This news was spreading around the world and the German government felt it needed to defend itself. Germany made two claims. The first one stated that the Lusitania was armed, which was soon proven to be false. The second claim was that the Lusitania was carrying munition that would be used against Germany. The British stated that this claim was also false, but then, many years later, it was discovered to be true. (This information was found in secret British papers.)
When the Lusitania sank, it was the first time that innocent American lives were lost. Public opinion about the importance of neutrality, changed. America began to be pulled into the war.