I was inspired to start this thread after watching an episode of the show Boardwalk Empire, in which the existence of "Rogue Waves" is more-or-less laughed off by a character in 1923, which has rather negative implications for another.
According to Wikipedia, the existence of Rogue Waves was not proven until 1995, and before the 1970's, the idea that waves of over 20-30 meters in height forming more or less out of the blue was considered nearly impossible before the 1970's.
Given that the existence of these waves is an established fact today, but was was not scientifically accepted until recently, what are some AH possibilities? Particularly, what would be the possible effects of important ships, especially sailing un-escorted, being lost at sea with all hands, without a good explanation?
For starters: What if the RMS Lusitania was lost with all hands during her maiden voyage, or thereabouts? Would Cunard have survived the loss? Would the loss of such a liner with no survivors have a greater or lesser cultural impact than the loss of the Titanic IOTL.
According to Wikipedia, the existence of Rogue Waves was not proven until 1995, and before the 1970's, the idea that waves of over 20-30 meters in height forming more or less out of the blue was considered nearly impossible before the 1970's.
Given that the existence of these waves is an established fact today, but was was not scientifically accepted until recently, what are some AH possibilities? Particularly, what would be the possible effects of important ships, especially sailing un-escorted, being lost at sea with all hands, without a good explanation?
For starters: What if the RMS Lusitania was lost with all hands during her maiden voyage, or thereabouts? Would Cunard have survived the loss? Would the loss of such a liner with no survivors have a greater or lesser cultural impact than the loss of the Titanic IOTL.