Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:43:59-3:45:31

Canadian Queen Elizabeths would reshape two wars and the treaty system

Three Canadian Queen Elizabeth-class battleships could add modern 15-inch firepower at Jutland, sustain additional shipyard capacity, and complicate Washington treaty limits.

Battle Of JutlandQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsRevenge Class BattleshipsRoyal Canadian NavyWashington Naval TreatyWorld War I
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How would the world wars change if Canada had acquired Queen Elizabeth-class battleships?

Short answer

Britain could gain extra 15-inch ships by Jutland and more capital ships later, while Canadian ownership would complicate shipbuilding patterns and Washington treaty limits.

Notes

A Canadian order would increase the number of Queen Elizabeth-class ships and alter the associated Royal Navy construction program. One or two additional ships might be ready by Jutland, adding more 15-inch guns to an already powerful British battle line. The order could keep extra yards active and leave more modern capital ships available into World War II. Their ownership and quality would also complicate Washington Naval Treaty negotiations by increasing the effective British Empire capital-ship total.