While one of his shipping company’s liners sank in the Atlantic Ocean in April 1912, American businessman JP Morgan was enjoying the thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains in France. And not just treating rheumatism.
It is one of the biggest maritime disasters of the 20th century, outside of the two world wars, which was told in the sublime film by James Cameron. At night from April 14 to 15, 1912but a few days after leaving mainland Ireland for New York, the Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean, after hitting an iceberg. Cause of the incident about 1,500 people died.
On board, were Captain Edward Smith and Thomas Andrews, the architect A British naval officer who worked on the construction of the ship. Both gone during his shipwreck. But that evening, there should be a man by his side. The owner of the White Star Line shipping company to which the Titanic belonged, John Pierpont Morgan, said JP Morganinvited to the maiden voyage but this one refused the invitation for a very funny reason.
In Aix-les-Bains for his rifts or his mistress?
The powerful American businessman, who was 75 years old at the time, was “restrained” in Aix-les-Bains, France. The banker, who was nicknamed the “Financial Napoleon”he knew well the thermal baths of Savoyyard town, which he frequented for several years in a row. Suffering from rheumatismhe was followed by Doctor Léon Blanc. This is the official reason that he stayed on dry land, leaving the Titanic to sail alone on the ocean and hit an iceberg.
But the rumors were completely different at the time. The American, who was born on April 17, was said to have decided to cancel his cruise to celebrate his birthday with his mistress. A journalist reportedly saw the couple walking carelessly a few days after the sinking.
Even today, some conspiracy theorists claim that the man was in France for a much darker reason. The industrialist would hide on the shores of Lac du Bourget because of he would cause the liner to sink on purpose to kill his enemies on boardusing an older but very similar ship to the Titanic, the Olympic. But Contemporary historians have proven that this trackalways broadcast on social networks, completely false.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Maritime History Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history—the sinking of the Titanic. I’m joined by Dr. Laura Hastings, a maritime history expert. Dr. Hastings, thank you for being here.
Dr. Laura Hastings: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the Titanic and its lasting impact on maritime history.
Time.news Editor: Let’s set the stage. The Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg. A tragedy that claimed around 1,500 lives. But there’s an interesting anecdote about J.P. Morgan, the owner of the White Star Line. Can you tell us a bit about him and what he was doing during this disaster?
Dr. Laura Hastings: Absolutely. It’s remarkable, isn’t it? While the ship was sinking, J.P. Morgan was actually in Aix-les-Bains, France—relaxing in thermal baths. He had been invited to join the maiden voyage but declined the invitation allegedly due to personal reasons, which some speculate included affairs of the heart.
Time.news Editor: So, we have the owner of the ship enjoying his leisure time while one of the biggest maritime disasters unfolded. What does this say about the culture of wealth and responsibility during that era?
Dr. Laura Hastings: It speaks volumes. Morgan’s detachment exemplifies a broader trend among the elite—an indifference to the safety of passengers and a prioritization of personal pleasures over corporate responsibilities. The Titanic was seen as a symbol of human ingenuity, yet it also highlighted the arrogance that led to its downfall.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of human ingenuity, the Titanic was touted as “unsinkable.” How did the confidence in the ship’s design contribute to the tragedy?
Dr. Laura Hastings: That’s a critical point. The Titanic was celebrated for its luxurious design and advanced technology. Unfortunately, this bred a false sense of security. There were not enough lifeboats for all passengers because the belief was that the ship would never sink. This overconfidence, coupled with inadequate safety regulations, led to horrific consequences.
Time.news Editor: And it’s fascinating to think about Captain Edward Smith and Thomas Andrews, both integral figures during the ship’s final moments, also being lost in the tragedy. How did their roles shape the narrative of that night?
Dr. Laura Hastings: Their stories add a heartbreaking dimension to the narrative. Captain Smith was expected to lead the ship safely, but ultimately faced the unimaginable crisis of trying to save lives and keep order. Thomas Andrews, the ship’s architect, was seen urging passengers to evacuate. Their heroic but tragic actions during the last hours of the Titanic created legends around accountability and leadership in disaster.
Time.news Editor: It seems like the Titanic not only changed maritime regulations but also had a profound impact on society’s view of safety standards. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Laura Hastings: Certainly. The disaster led to significant reforms in maritime safety, including the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1914. There was a newfound emphasis on lifeboat requirements, proper training for crews, and the necessity of more rigorous safety measures—a direct response to the tragedy.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Hastings, thank you for your insightful analysis. Before we wrap up, what lesson do you think we should carry forward from the Titanic disaster?
Dr. Laura Hastings: We must remember that progress should never come at the cost of safety. The Titanic reminds us of the importance of preparedness, humility in the face of nature, and the need for accountability—both for individuals and corporations. The echoes of that fateful night continue to resonate in our modern world.
Time.news Editor: Well said! Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hastings. Your insights have certainly illuminated the complexities behind one of history’s most tragic events.
Dr. Laura Hastings: It was my pleasure! Thank you for having me.