After making peace with Austria-Hungary, the campaign still faces Spain but lacks the fleet needed for the planned southern-Spain invasion. The necessary ships have been sunk or are elsewhere, so reinforcements begin moving from Portland, New York, and Philadelphia. The order also empties or weakens other ports, which creates new exposure at home. Operational ambition has outrun the forces actually available in theatre.
Notable Point · 3:29:20-3:31:26
An invasion plan outruns available naval assets
The first campaign closes with an intended invasion of southern Spain but too few local assets to carry it out, forcing further reinforcement.