In the early part of the twentieth century, the only way to traverse the Atlantic was by ocean liner. It was a time of fierce competition between rival lines–with passengers expecting not only a speedy crossing, but luxurious accommodations as well. In 1903 the Cunard Line led by Lord Inverclyde began construction on two fast and luxurious liners to challenge the German vessels that had held the ‘Blue Riband’ since 1897. The resulting sisterships RMS Lusitania and RMS Mauretania would be a firm reassertion of British supremacy at sea.

Launched at the River Clyde in June 16, 1906, RMS Lusitania was a grand ship and the first of the two sisterships to be launched. At 785 feet in length and 31,550 gross tons, she took the title of largest liner afloat. Her maiden voyage took place September 7, 1907, and in October 1907 she recaptured the coveted ‘Blue Riband’ from the German liner Deutschland.

The construction of Lusitania was financed by generous loans from the British government. In return for the generous loans, the Admiralty could requisition Lusitania or her sister in times of war. At the onset of World War I in August 1914, Lusitania, Mauretania and the newer companion ship Aquitania were all officially requisitioned for war duties. All but Lusitania were given official orders, so Lusitania continued her regular transatlantic passenger services.

On the May 1, 1915 Lusitania left New York for the final time. A number of Americans were aboard, including the wealthy Alfred Vanderbilt and noted theatre producer Charles Frohman. On May 7 with the coast of Ireland in sight, German U-boat U-20 torpedoed Lusitania. She sank in 18 short minutes taking 1,195 lives - 123 of them American. Although America did not immediately declare war on Germany, that would occur in April 1917, her sinking contributed to the mood that turned the tide of American public opinion against Germany and led the United States to join the Allied cause in World War I.

• A history of Lusitania from the Cunard Line’s Heritage Section. The majority of information presented on this page is from these pages.

• Official site for Diana Preston’s new book LUSITANIA: An Epic Tragedy.

• Several pictures of Lusitania in New York Harbour from the Keystone-Mast Collection. You will have to scroll.

• A collection of Lusitania postcards presented by the Great Ships websight.

• Secretary of War William Jenning Bryan’s letter to the German Ambassador in America after the torpedoing of the Lusitania.

• Nic Wilson dicusses the sinking of Lusitania and theories of her rapid demise – not listed in Yahoo.

• Yahoo’s listing of Lusitania sights – including this one.