Thesinkingtitanic

Background 

On April 10, 1912 The Titanic left Southampton, England for New York with over 2,000 people aboard. The ship was commissioned by the White Star Line Company and overseen by Captain Edward John Smith.  Only four days later, the so-called “unsinkable ship” hit an iceberg killing almost 1500. This website is designed to reflect on the events that took place during the voyage of The Titanic, and also the lasting effects which this momentous event has had on history; both right after it sank and more recently.  

The Building of The Titanic

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Shipbuilders Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Ireland began construction of The Titanic in 1909. The boat was constructed over the course of almost three years by 15,000  Irish workers.  When completed, the ship weighed 46,328 tons, making it the largest ship in the world at the time.  Onboard amenities included: a swimming pool, gym,Turkish baths, nine decks, 16 watertight compartments making the ship "incapable of sinking," and space to house 2500 passengers. 

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The Grand Staircase of the Titanic

Statistics and Numbers

  • The completed Titanic was 882.5 feet long. 
  • The ship sailed on its maiden- and only voyage- only half full. This was actually viewed as a success by the White Star Line Company. 
  • The cost of the most expensive first- class suite ticket was $4,350. 
  • Crew : 915 members divided amongst the Deck Department, Passenger Care Department, and Engine Department.
  • 337 first class passengers (including many famous and wealthy passengers- see social impact page). 
  • 712 steerage passengers traveling to America for economic opportunity.
  • The ship carried lifeboats with space to carry about half the number of people onboard. 
  • After the crash: 1,800 passengers and crew had died.
  • Survival Rates: 94% of women in first- class survived, 31% of men. 47% of women in steerage survived, 14% of men.  
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