In "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," Erik Larson investigates the sinking of the Lusitania and the circumstances leading up to it. He presents evidence suggesting that there may have been a deliberate scheme to put the ship in danger, potentially to provoke the U.S. into joining the ongoing conflict in Europe. The analysis reveals political motivations and strategic calculations behind this tragic maritime event.

Larson implies that while the plan to target the Lusitania may not have been flawless, it was likely aimed at creating a scenario that would draw America into the war. This perspective adds complexity to the understanding of the Lusitania's sinking, suggesting that it wasn't just a random act of war but rather a calculated risk with significant implications for international relations at the time.