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Here is an idea I was mulling over my morning coffee.

The U-20 comes across the Lusitania just as in OTL, but the Captain recognizes it is a passenger liner. Rather then risk committing wholesale mass murder the Captain decides to take a risk. He surfaces and uses his deck gun to fire a warning shot across the Lusitania's bow. He tells the Captain of the Lusitania that he intends to sink the vessel but gives him ample time (1 hour) to evacuate the ship before it is sunk. He also warns the Captain that any attempt to signal for assistance will result in him sinking the Lusitania and the loss of life will be squarely on the Captain's head.

The Captain reluctantly agrees. All passengers are evacuated by lifeboat to the nearby coast with the Captain and crew the last to leave. The Lusitania is then torpedoed but with no loss of life.

So, what is the reaction in the U.S.? Does this inflame or quiet public opinion.

One thing - there wasn't much sympathy for the British and their plight in some circles during this time specifically among German-Americans and Irish-Americans. Does this work in the favor of those who want us to stay out of the war?
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