The Sinking of the Lusitania

About this episode

On 7 May 1915, the passenger liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by the German submarine U-20 off the coast of County Cork. The enormous ship sank in just 18 minutes, killing over one thousands people. The sinking became one of the most controversial events of the First World War, provoking questions that remains the source of debate today. Why did the Lusitania sink so quickly? What caused the second explosion reported by survivors? How much ammunition and war material was the ship carrying? Did this cargo make the ship a legitimate military target or was the attack a crime against civilians? In this episode, I am joined by Shannon Forde, manager of the Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower in Kinsale. We discuss the history of the famous ocean liner, how it compared with the Titanic, the events of its final voyage and the experiences of those caught up in the disaster. We also examine the enduring controversies surrounding the sinking, from the Lusitania’s cargo to the actions of the German submarine and the British authorities. Support the Irish History Podcast at patreon.com/irishpodcast The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower is open 10am – 5pm 7 days a week