Prelude to war
The ascension of Germany
The arming of merchant ships
The war in Europe
Breakout of war
Submarines
America's early role in the war
1915
American ships face the dangers
1916
A year of tension for America
1917
Ties are broken
America goes to war
A declaration of war
Setting up shop in Europe
Finding the path to victory
The shipbuilders and operators
The steamship companies
Ship construction
Ship construction by shipyard, 1914/1918
The Naval Overseas Transportation Service
The war winds down
The end at sea
American ship losses
The final tally
Conclusion: toward the future
Appendix: Americans lost on the Lusitania.