Neutrality and the Lusitania
RULES FOR WAR (1914)
• Neutral countries would be free of
unprovoked attack.
• Neutral countries had freedom of the seas, to
trade to and trade with countries at war.
• The right of civilians to travel in unarmed
ships, that could be sunk only if passengers
and crew were given time to get into lifeboats.
Germany & England Break Rules
Germany
• Fought through neutral
Belgium
• Declared war on England
• Planted mines along
shipping routes to prevent
British trade.
• Neutrals could get map, but
England was on her own.
Britain
• Strictly prohibited trade of
all war goods with Germany.
• All ships trading with
Germany must be searched.
• Contraband was a
constantly changing word.
Originally it meant guns and
ammunition, but then
meant food and clothes.
Submarine Warfare Announced
• Germany announced the beginning of unrestricted
submarine warfare.
• As of February 18th all ships could be sunk without warning.
• Why do you think Germany wouldn’t allow a submarine to
surface to give warning?
• Additionally, Germany argued that England blockading food
threatened their survival (think women and children).
• They also argued that contraband the U.S. was selling
Britain would be used to kill Germans.
• German officials also noted that British ships would fly flags
of neutral countries.
• If Britain was going to deny good to Germany it was only
fair to respond in kind.
• President Wilson allowed U.S. ships bound for
Germany to be boarded and searched.
• Goods were seized and held.
• Why would President Wilson allow this?
• He stated “German leaders will be held strictly
accountable for the loss of American lives.
The Last Voyage of the Lusitania
Questions:
1. Should the passengers and ship been allowed
to sail?
2. Allowed but with a warning?
3. Should its sinking be cause for war?
Directions: I want us to look through these
narratives before answering……
Now lets answer…..
Questions:
1. Should the passengers and ship been allowed
to sail?
2. Allowed but with a warning?
3. Should its sinking be cause for war?
4. Was the German U-Boat justified in sinking
the Lusitania?
President Wilson’s Dilemma
• President Woodrow Wilson was shocked and
upset at the lose of 124 American Lives and
now to face a tough choice.
1. Declare war against Germany.
2. Listen to Secretary of State William Jennings
who said all U.S. ships should stay out of the
war zone.
3. Stop trading with all countries.
Activities:
1. Paragraph – Describe the last voyage of the
Lusitania and the warnings received.
2. According to your definition, did Germany
commit a war crime by sinking the Lusitania?
Or do you think they were given an
“adequate warning”?