The launch of the RMS Lusitania represents a pivotal moment in the early 20th century maritime industry. Built by the renowned John Brown Shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, the ship was designed for the Cunard Line, competing in the increasingly lucrative transatlantic passenger market. Named after an ancient Roman province that corresponds to modern Portugal, the Lusitania was the largest ship afloat at the time of her launch and boasted advanced engineering elements, such as turbine engines that enabled faster speeds. Notably, the ship was designed not only for speed but also for comfort, equipped with opulent accommodations that catered to the wealthy elite of society.

During the launch ceremony, Lady Inverclyde, the wife of the shipyard's owner, performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship's bow. The event drew a large crowd of officials, shipyard workers, and members of the press, highlighting the anticipated significance of the Lusitania in maritime travel. The awe-inspiring sight of her sliding into the Clyde River marked not just a local celebration in Glasgow but also a statement of industrial prowess and British naval power.

Following her launch, Lusitania underwent testing and completed her maiden voyage in September 1907, setting records for speed and passenger comfort. She became a favored ship for transatlantic voyages, often providing a luxurious travel experience. Unfortunately, the Lusitania's legacy would later be marred by her sinking by a German U-boat in 1915 during World War I, but her launch was a defining moment in the history of sea transportation, symbolizing both innovation and the era's shipping rivalry.