The Courbets met the broad definition of a dreadnought and adopted superfiring turrets, yet they remained products of a constrained French defence industry. France was limited to a 12-inch main battery while other navies were already moving toward heavier weapons. The ships were laid down in 1910, launched in 1911, and commissioned in 1913, a very slow pace for this arms race. A design could satisfy the new category and still arrive late.
Notable Point · 47:16-48:26
The Courbet class and France's slow dreadnought transition
France could build a 12-inch dreadnought in the Courbet class, but gunmaking and construction speed kept the programme behind faster-moving rivals.