Carriers, cruisers, and postwar employment

The no-treaty counterfactual changes more than battleship totals. France and Italy might keep some large ships in slow production for national pride, employment, and postwar social stability. Wages circulating through their communities could help families support wounded and traumatized returning servicemen, even when shipyards were unsuitable workplaces for those veterans. Without Lexington and Saratoga as treaty conversions, the United States may have to move from Langley toward a purpose-built carrier. The Royal Navy would still have strong incentives to seek a new station flagship type beyond its existing large light cruisers.