The Criticism:
* Leaving the ship early: Ismay boarded lifeboat #C, leaving many passengers behind. This was widely seen as a selfish act, as a senior officer he should have stayed on board to help passengers evacuate.
* His role in the ship's speed: Some argue Ismay pressured the captain to increase the ship's speed, leading to the collision with the iceberg.
* His lack of concern for passengers: Witnesses claimed Ismay showed little concern for the safety of passengers during the evacuation.
Arguments in his defense:
* He was a passenger, not an officer: While Ismay held a senior management position, he was not a crew member. He was obligated to obey the captain's orders.
* The lifeboat situation was chaotic: In the panic of the sinking, lifeboat assignments weren't always logical or fair.
* His speed claims are unsubstantiated: There's no concrete evidence that Ismay pressured the captain to increase speed.
* He did help passengers: Some accounts suggest Ismay helped guide passengers to lifeboats and tried to maintain order during the evacuation.
Ismay's legacy:
* He survived the sinking and was subject to intense public scrutiny.
* He was investigated by the British Board of Trade, but no charges were filed.
* He resigned from White Star Line and suffered reputational damage.
* He died in 1937, still carrying the weight of the Titanic disaster.
Conclusion:
It's important to avoid simplistic judgments about Ismay's actions. While his decisions during the Titanic disaster were controversial, he wasn't solely responsible for the tragedy. It's important to consider the complexities of the event and the pressure he was under in the face of unimaginable circumstances.