U-boat

:"U-boat" is also a nickname for some diesel locomotives built by GE; see List of GE locomotives

World War I

In May of 1915, U-20 sank the liner RMS Lusitania. Though there was a great deal of outrage at the sinking of an "innocent" merchant ship at the time, historians now believe the Lusitania had 10 tons of weapons aboard, making it a valid target under international law. Of the 1,195 lives lost, 123 were American civilians, including a noted theatrical producer and a member of the prestigious Vanderbilt family. This event turned American public opinion against Germany and was a significant factor in getting the United States involved in the war on the Allied side.

Related Topics:
1915 - U-20 - RMS ''Lusitania'' - International law - Vanderbilt family

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With the United States already on the side of the Allies, Germany announced on 31 January 1917 that its U-boats would engage in unrestricted submarine warfare. On 17 March 1917, German submarines sank three American merchant vessels. See First Battle of the Atlantic.

Related Topics:
31 January - 1917 - Unrestricted submarine warfare - First Battle of the Atlantic

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