In the proposed settlement, Montana, North Carolina, and Iowa preserve work at yards linked to Tillman's political priorities, even though they were not the three most complete South Dakota-class hulls. The choices retain construction at Mare Island, Norfolk, and Newport News, matching the shipyard alliances within his coalition. Together with three Colorados, they give the United States six 16-inch-gun battleships under a 40,000-ton individual limit. Florida and Utah are sacrificed so the new ships can fit inside the aggregate American allowance.
Chapter · 1:25:49-1:30:14
Three South Dakotas reshape the American settlement
The revised treaty completes three politically selected South Dakotas, retains three Colorados, and retires older ships under a 40,000-ton ceiling.