1. How was the Titanic different from the Mauretania and the Lusitania?
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The Titanic differed from the Mauretania and the Lusitania in various ways, especially regarding their design, purpose and technical aspects:
1. Ownership and Construction: - Titanic was owned by the White Star Line and built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast. - Mauretania and Lusitania were owned by the Cunard Line and constructed by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson (Mauretania) and John Brown & Company (Lusitania).
2. Size and Layout: - Titanic was designed to be more luxurious with an emphasis on comfort over speed. It was larger in gross tonnage compared to the Lusitania and Mauretania. - Both Mauretania and Lusitania were built with a focus on speed, to compete for the Atlantic crossing record known as the Blue Riband.
3. Speed: - Mauretania was particularly known for its speed and held the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing for several years. - Titanic was not designed to compete for the Blue Riband but aimed to provide a more luxurious and smooth crossing.
4. Propulsion Systems: - Titanic utilized a combination of reciprocating steam engines for the wing propellers and a steam turbine for the center propeller. - Mauretania and Lusitania featured advanced turbine engines, which contributed to their higher speeds.
5. Fate: - Titanic famously struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. - Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915, contributing to anti-German sentiment and influencing the U.S. decision to enter WWI. - Mauretania had a longer and more successful career as both a transatlantic liner and a troopship during WWI.