Q&A · 1:26:08-1:27:00

A 1920s Anglo-French-Japanese naval alliance

An isolationist United States could leave the allied navies competing in technology, with China a possible source of conflict.

Question

How would a 1920s Anglo-French-Japanese naval alliance affect treaty arrangements if the United States were more isolationist?

Short answer

Some agreement is likely, but the answer expects a different arrangement and more technological competition, with China a possible source of later division.

Notes

The scenario assumes a more isolationist United States and continuing French purchases from Japanese shipyards. Some agreement between Britain, France and Japan is considered likely, although it would differ from the historical naval treaty. With the three powers allied, French and Japanese construction would be less threatening to Britain. Competition could therefore concentrate on technology rather than fleet numbers. China remains a possible source of a later rupture or an agreement to divide interests.