The machinery revolution changes political-military risk as well as individual ship performance. Dunkerque and Strasbourg become less valuable relative to the faster modernized British battle fleet. A stronger Royal Navy might feel less pressure over French ships at Mers-el-Kebir and could consider relying more heavily on internment and deterrence. British wartime paranoia would probably still preserve the historical attack, making this a constrained possibility rather than a confident prediction.
Notable Point · 1:08:39-1:09:15
A stronger Royal Navy alters the French-fleet risk
Faster and more numerous British capital ships reduce the relative threat posed by Dunkerque-class ships and a potentially hostile French fleet after France falls.