Q&A ยท 5:52-7:18

When Britain might export battleships

British willingness to sell capital ships depended on whether the buyer's naval programme threatened Britain.

Question

Which major powers might Britain have sold battleships to before the First World War?

Short answer

France and possibly Austria-Hungary were plausible customers, while Germany became unacceptable once its Navy Laws made the anti-British purpose of its fleet clear.

Notes

France and even Austria-Hungary could be plausible British customers under the right diplomatic conditions. Germany was different after its Navy Laws openly framed construction against British power. Before that confrontation, British yards might have accepted German orders while German yards built in parallel. Export policy followed threat perception as well as commercial opportunity.