The American response does not require an entirely new battleship concept. The United States would probably reach the North Carolina design pattern early because its balance of armament, protection, and operating qualities already suited American strategic and operational needs. The first ships might be slower than the historical class if the necessary high-powered machinery had not yet matured. Their superstructure would still provide the solid platform required for modern fire control. An earlier building date could accelerate a recognizable design lineage while leaving its machinery details dependent on the industrial timetable.
Chapter · 1:00:35-1:02:02
An earlier North Carolina pattern for the U.S. Navy
Earlier treaty construction could bring the United States quickly to a North Carolina-like battleship whose basic pattern already suited American strategic and operational needs.