The American Press and the Sinking of the Lusitania
The American Press and the Sinking of the Lusitania
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Date
1986
Authors
McDonough, Joseph
Advisor
Beasley, Maurine
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to analyze to
what degree the sinking of the R.M.S. Lusitania swayed
editorial opinion against Germany in seven representative
United States newspapers.
Procedures: Seven newspapers were chosen for this study,
based on their geographic location and political prominence:
the New York Times, Atlanta Constitution, Chicago Tribune,
San Francisco Examiner, Washington Post, Kansas City Star,
and the Milwaukee Journal. The historical record of U.S.
foreign policy prior to World War I, and the political
viewpoint of each newspaper was reviewed by way of
introduction. The papers were examined for news and
editorial content. Items studied included: the first seven
pages of each newspaper, the unsigned editorials expressing
the view of the editorial staff, and letters to the editor
that dealt with the sinking. Each paper was studied six
months prior to the sinking, during the crisis (including
the exchange of diplomatic notes between the United States
and Germany), and six months after the answer to Wilson's
final Lusitania note.
Conclusion: The study found that the sinking of the
Lusitania did not sway editorial opinion against Germany in the selected newspapers.