This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
You know how it sank. How was the Titanic dreamed up?
While at dinner, the Titanic’s creators envisioned a ship that was fast and luxurious. It soon became touted as “virtually unsinkable.”
In Harland and Wolff's Belfast shipyard, the bow of what would become the R.M.S. Titanic sits in dry dock during construction. Before setting sail in April 1912, the Titanic was considered "virtually unsinkable" and a pinnacle of engineering as it crushed records set by other large ships. The goal in the mighty ship’s creation was to surpass all others in size, strength, and speed. Unfortunately, the thirst for fame and recognition set the stage for an infamously tragic course of events.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
- World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truthWorld’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
- Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?
Environment
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
- Why taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadlyWhy taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadly
- California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
- She founded an Afghan girls school. Now she runs it in exile.She founded an Afghan girls school. Now she runs it in exile.
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
- Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?
Travel
- 5 new things to do for families on the British coast5 new things to do for families on the British coast
- Ontario’s captivating, can’t-look-away waterways
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Ontario’s captivating, can’t-look-away waterways