The German studies of 1916 and 1917 were credible designs near the contemporary technical frontier. Germany nevertheless had to fund naval construction while under blockade and fighting a major land war against several armies. Britain's broader network of shipbuilders and armament firms gave it more opportunities to adopt an improvement and develop a stronger response. The earlier ironclad race offers a comparison: France could produce capable ships, while British industrial capacity supported larger numbers and continued development. Technical competence alone did not give Germany the resources to sustain another round of construction.
Notable Point · 35:12-36:48
British industry could answer credible German designs
Germany's advanced designs faced wartime production constraints, while Britain's larger network of yards and armament firms could support further development.