A normal First Sea Lord term could leave Battenberg ready to hand over to Jellicoe after Jutland in 1916. Victories at Coronel and Gallipoli could also leave Churchill in office as First Lord of the Admiralty and might open a route toward the premiership during the war. That branch remains uncertain because Churchill's confidence and appetite for action could still bring him down through a different crisis. His historical Admiralty tenure was more capable than a simple failure narrative suggests because he energetically carried out advice from naval officers. His choice of advisers was a problem, especially the prestige Fisher held in his mind while Battenberg occupied the formal professional office.
Notable Point · 2:02:17-2:04:15
Churchill's political future after alternative victories
Success at Coronel and Gallipoli could preserve Churchill's Admiralty position or accelerate his rise, although his appetite for bold action leaves another political crisis entirely plausible.