5. Explain why the sinking of the Lusitania alarmed Americans. __

The sinking of the Lusitania, a British ocean liner, by a German U-boat in 1915, was a significant event that contributed to the United States' entry into World War I. The Lusitania was carrying passengers, including Americans, and was seen as a non-combatant vessel. Its sinking resulted in the deaths of 1,198 passengers and crew, including 128 Americans. This incident alarmed Americans for several reasons:<br /><br />1. **Violation of International Law**: The attack was seen as a violation of international law, as the Lusitania was a civilian ship and not a military target. This raised concerns about the conduct of the war by Germany.<br /><br />2. **Impact on American Lives**: The loss of American lives in the attack made it a personal matter for the United States. It was not just a distant conflict but one that directly affected American citizens.<br /><br />3. **Public Opinion**: The sinking of the Lusitania significantly shifted public opinion in the United States. Before the incident, there was a strong sentiment of isolationism and a desire to stay out of the European conflict. The attack on the Lusitania, however, was seen as an act of barbarism and a threat to American neutrality and safety.<br /><br />4. **Diplomatic Consequences**: The incident strained relations between the United States and Germany. President Woodrow Wilson demanded an end to unrestricted submarine warfare and a guarantee of the safety of non-combatant ships. Although Germany eventually agreed to these terms, it resumed unrestricted submarine warfare later, which was a key factor in the U.S. decision to enter the war.<br /><br />5. **Propaganda Value**: The sinking of the Lusitania was used as propaganda by the Allies to rally support against Germany. The image of innocent civilians being killed by a brutal enemy was a powerful narrative that resonated with the American public.<br /><br />In summary, the sinking of the Lusitania alarmed Americans because it was seen as a violation of international law, it resulted in the loss of American lives, it significantly shifted public opinion, it had diplomatic consequences, and it served as effective propaganda against Germany.