American political factions wanted lasting peace, lower defense spending, and naval equality with Britain at the same time. Reducing British power without replacing its global capabilities could leave the international system less secure even when the political aim was peace. Both excessive strength and visible weakness can provoke war because imbalance creates opportunities for greed or reactions driven by fear. Economic and technological superiority may let one state feel safe with a smaller force while a weaker rival remains frightened despite fielding more ships. A credible balance gives each side confidence that the other also faces unacceptable risk, reducing the room for miscalculation that a badly designed treaty can create.
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Status, economy, and deterrence pulled American policy apart
American leaders sought peace, lower spending, and parity with Britain without fully accepting the global responsibilities that naval status carried.