Dreadnought was marketed to the government as a way to save money. That framing discouraged expenditure on the extra capability needed for a larger deterrent effect. The alternative proposed here combines 13.5-inch guns and 24 knots with a thicker belt, tentatively around 12 inches. The turrets already carried 12 inches of armor, and heavier armament could justify further protection. The disagreement concerns which capabilities count as necessary and which count as excessive expense.
Notable Point · 1:04:00-1:05:38
Selling Dreadnought as a saving constrained its design
Marketing Dreadnought as a saving discouraged the extra armament, speed, and protection proposed for a stronger deterrent.