How would the pre-First World War naval race change if Germany built only fast capital ships?
Short answerBritain would build faster capital ships of its own, while German dependence on British turbine expertise would complicate the race.
NotesBritain would answer German fast capital ships rather than concede a speed advantage to the High Seas Fleet. The Royal Navy could draw on Parsons turbines and shipbuilders such as John Brown to accelerate its own designs. Germany's dependence on British turbine expertise would complicate a sustained race against the country supplying a critical component. The comparison with Britain's earlier reliance on German shell detonators shows why arms races also force states to localise vulnerable industrial capabilities.