South Carolina's eight 12-inch guns and 18.5-knot speed would compare poorly with a British battleship carrying twelve 14-inch guns at 24 knots. The United States already had a 14-inch gun programme and capable turbine makers such as Curtis, so it had technologies on which to build a response. A 24-knot entry standard could force an earlier commitment to turbines instead of continuing to divide construction between turbine and triple-expansion machinery. The likely response would treat the British ship as a technological challenge. Congressional funding limits would still force choices between battleships and cruisers, with the prestige of a battle fleet favoring battleship construction.
Notable Point · 1:59:09-2:04:59
A 24-knot standard would push America toward turbines
South Carolina's 18.5 knots and eight 12-inch guns would leave the United States seeking larger guns and an earlier commitment to turbine propulsion.