May 7, 1915: A luxe passenger liner, a German submarine, and the day the rules changed (more) Today in History—May 7: The Sinking of the Lusitania Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 5, 2026 •History May 7, 1915: A luxe passenger liner, a German submarine, and the day the rules changedGeorge Grantham Bain Collection/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (digital file no. 3g13287u); Photo Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Off the coast of Ireland on the morning of May 7, 1915, Capt. William Turner slowed his swift ship near shore as fog closed in. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about...

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