Why was the Lusitania medallion made?
The original Lusitania Medallion was privately designed and struck by Karl Goetz in August 1915 to mark the sinking, by a German U-boat, of the Cunard liner Lusitania on 7 May 1915. The sinking of the Lusitania was a controversial event and became a focus for the propaganda campaign during the war.
Who created the Lusitania medal?
Karl Goetz
In August 1915, German art medallist and sculptor, Karl Goetz produced a commemorative medal marking Lusitania’s sinking. It was one of a series of satirical medals that he produced during the First World War. Goetz mistakenly engraved the date of the sinking as “5 Mai 1915”.
What does the Goetz medal represent?
Angered by the Cunard Line’s audacious decision to sail a passenger ship with munitions on board, Goetz channeled his feelings into an artistic satirical message and displayed it on a medal. The medal depicts the sinking Lusitania with munitions on deck under the heading “No Contraband Goods!” on one side.
How was the sinking of the Lusitanian used as propaganda?
The sinking of the Lusitania, like the invasion of Belgium, was regarded by the Allies as a crime symbolising the degree of ‘frightfulness’ Germany was prepared to perpetuate in her pursuit of victory. The event inspired an abundance of anti-German propaganda, including tracts, pictures and posters.
What liner did the Germans sink in May 1915?
liner Lusitania
The British ocean liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915. In May 1915 the Lusitania was returning from New York to Liverpool with 1,959 passengers and crew on board.
What was the name of the U boat that sank the Lusitania?
submarine U-20
Kapitänleutnant Walter Schwieger was the thirty-year-old commander of the submarine U-20 that sank the Lusitania. His war diary describes the attack and the rapid sinking of the great liner as he viewed it through his periscope.
What is a Lusitania medal?
British replica Lusitania medallion, an example of thousands that were mass-produced by the British Government as anti-German propaganda during the aftermath of the sinking of RMS Lusitania. These medallions were sold in presentation boxes and the money raised helped to support the British war effort.
Is the German Lusitania Medal 7th or 5th?
German lusitania medal with earlier uncorrected date of 5th may 1915 not 7th…. R.M.S Lusitania Medal In Original Box… WW1 GERMAN LUSITANIA MEDAL IN ORIGINAL BOX COMMEMORATION 1915 GENUINE…
Who designed the Lusitania medallion?
The designer was Karl Goetz, creator of many medallions, and the initials K.G. are clearly visible on the obverse. On the obverse, under the inscription “No contraband” (Keine Bannware), there is a representation of the Lusitania sinking. The outline of the liner has been altered to resemble a warship.
How did the Lusitania contribute to WW1?
Built for speed and equipped with gun mounts for deck cannons, the German government regarded the Lusitania as a non-neutral ship, and a German U-boat sank her on May 7, 1915. The deaths of all 1,298 passengers and crew, including 128 citizens of the United States, contributed to the decision of the United States to enter the war two years later.
Was the sinking of the Lusitania pre-planned?
The liner Lusitania, sunk by German submarine 5th May, 1915, provides perhaps the most obvious example – as in actual fact the sinking occurred on 7 May. The discrepancy in date may have been a genuine error but it was interpreted as a being a clear indication that the sinking was pre-planned – and not just one of the fortunes of war.