WWI By rileyward May 7, 1915 Sinking of Lusutania On May 7th, 1915 the Lusitania was nearing Ireland when they were torpedoed by the Germans on their side. Within 18 minutes the ship was submerged underwater. Out of the 1,924 people on board, 1,119 died. Mar 1, 1917 Zimmermann Telegram Period: Jan 1, 1920 to Dec 31, 1920 WWI