France was completing more modern warships while Maine's construction dragged on. French designers, workers, and yard quality were not the cause of France's own recurring delays. Successive governments had neglected the infrastructure, while Jeune École policy disrupted heavy-ship production. Even under those constraints, French yards could overtake the American design before Maine entered service.
Notable Point · 20:59-21:27
Why French yards could outpace USS Maine's construction
French heavy-warship production suffered from neglected infrastructure and Jeune École policy despite capable designers, workers, and yards.