Anti-German Riots in Liverpool
Newsreel footage captures the aftermath of riots in Liverpool following the sinking of Cunard liner 'the Lusy' during WWI.
When the Cunard liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat it created an international outcry. Many of the crew were from close knit Liverpool Irish communities, and the incident sparked riots in the north of the city and in other English cities. Pork butchers assumed to be run by Germans were particularly vulnerable; in this Pathé Gazette item we see the aftermath of an attack on a butchers.
Tags
The Sinking of RMS Lusitania
It was the worst maritime disaster of World War I so far: 1,197 souls were lost when the Cunard liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by German U-boat 20 off Ireland's south coast on the 7th May 1915. The mighty Lusitania, once one of the proudest vessels in Cunard's fleet, took just 18 minutes to sink. The tragedy had profound repercussions on the international stage, sparking anti-German riots in Britain and outrage across the globe. The death of 148 American citizens started a process that ultimately led to neutral America entering the war on the Allied side.
This small collection gathers together films of the Lusitania, from her heyday as one of Britain's most popular luxury liners, to reportage of her sinking and its aftermath, and the official commemorations on the anniversary of the tragedy. The films highlight some of the issues surrounding the disaster, from the personal tragedies to official reactions and the Lusitania's use as a powerful symbol in war propaganda.
7 videos in this collection
The Sinking of the Lusitania
John Bull's Animated Sketchbook No. 4
Anti-German Riots in Liverpool following the Loss of 'Lusitania'
Funeral of the Lusitania Victims
Remember the Lusitania!