The concluding counterfactual contrasts Salisbury's broad buildup with Fisher's later reforms, which concentrated resources for a major fleet battle while cutting ship numbers and overseas presence. It proposes that maintaining and gradually replacing more of the worldwide fleet might have demonstrated that Germany could never match British sea power. Clearer evidence of British maritime depth might then have encouraged accommodation instead of confidence in the risk-fleet strategy. The argument remains explicitly speculative and identifies visible global presence alongside battle-fleet strength as an important part of deterrence.
Chapter · 23:24-25:34
Fisher's battle-fleet focus may have weakened global deterrence
A concluding counterfactual argues that Fisher's concentration on the battle fleet reduced worldwide presence and may have encouraged German confidence before 1914.