The fleet's broad purpose combined peacetime imperial presence with a concentrated contribution to coalition warfare. France might still have to meet Italy without immediate allied help, so the Mediterranean remained the principal independent combat problem. A solo war against Germany would already imply the failure of France's wider strategic position. Trying to satisfy Mediterranean, Far Eastern, and Jeune Ecole requirements at once produced repeated shifts in cruiser design.
Notable Point · 1:02:01-1:05:09
A fleet for imperial presence, allied war, and Italy
France wanted peacetime colonial presence and a useful allied task group, while retaining the ability to fight Italy alone in the Mediterranean.