Clyde-built liner’s sinking brought US into First World War

Isaw a documentary about the First World War recently.

Part of it was about the sinking of the Lusitania, and how that terrible event helped bring the United States into the war.

Her sister ship was the Mauretania, and I would like to know where these names, Lusitania and Mauretania come from. – B.

Designed by Leonard Peskett, the Lusitania was built at Clydebank by John Brown & Company.

Lusitania was launched on June 7, 1906, and entered service for Cunard on August 26, 1907.

The Mauretania, also designed by Leonard Peskett, was built on Tyneside by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson and was launched on September 20, 1906.

The Lusitania was named after he ancient Roman province of Lusitania, which included nearly all of modern Portugal south of the Douro River and part of modern Spain.

The Mauretania’s name was also taken from an ancient Roman province, this time on the northwest African coast, roughly today’s northern Morocco and west Algeria.

On May 1, 1915, less than a year after the First World War began, , a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the RMS Lusitania. She sank in just 18 minutes Of the 1960 passengers and crew on board, 1196 perished, including more than 120 Americans.

Nearly two years would pass before the US formally entered the war, but the sinking of the Lusitania played a significant role in turning public opinion against Germany, both in the US and abroad.

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