In August 1914, as World War I began, President Woodrow Wilson faced significant challenges, including maintaining American neutrality amid rising global tensions. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 further complicated this stance, as the British ocean liner was torpedoed by a German submarine, leading to the loss of many lives, including American citizens. This incident stirred public outrage and eventually played a crucial role in shifting American sentiment towards entering the war.

Erik Larson's "Dead Wake" explores the fateful final voyage of the Lusitania, detailing the events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath. The book delves into the political tensions of the era, highlighting how the tragedy intensified debates about the U.S. involvement in the war. Larson's narrative combines historical detail with personal stories, painting a vivid picture of a pivotal moment in history that reshaped the course of the United States and its foreign policy.