1918 animation depicts 1915 sinking, fueling anti-German sentiment in WWI.

Through an animated depiction of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I, Winsor McCay's The Sinking of the Lusitania (1918) breaks away from the lighthearted cartoons of the era.

The film's seriousness and length, clocking in at twelve minutes, were groundbreaking for animation. McCay utilizes detailed, realistic drawings, creating a documentary-like feel. He employs innovative techniques for the time, including cel animation, which streamlined the animation process.

The Sinking of the Lusitania is also a powerful piece of propaganda. McCay's meticulous animation personalizes the tragedy, a stark contrast to the grainy newsreel footage available at the time. The film's emotional impact fueled anti-German sentiment during World War I.

Beyond its historical context, The Sinking of the Lusitania stands as a testament to the evolving art form of animation. It demonstrates the medium's potential for seriousness, documentary-style storytelling, and emotional resonance.