Britain proposed four dreadnoughts while retaining the capacity to build eight. It offered to restrain the programme if Germany also slowed construction. When Germany continued, Britain laid down the larger number and could present the decision as a response rather than an unprovoked escalation. Procurement schedules, diplomatic signalling, and industrial speed all interacted within the naval arms race.
Notable Point · 1:50:25-1:51:38
The offer behind Britain's eight-dreadnought programme
Britain's offer to limit construction if Germany did the same framed the eventual eight-ship programme as a response to continued German building.