A German plan to attack French global trade depended on separating France from Britain. One strategic interpretation holds that either power defeating Germany or Italy alone would unsettle the other's great-power position. France faced the prospect of appearing unable to act as a first-rank power, while Britain had reason to avoid encouraging France to build a much larger independent navy. British naval cover helped sustain an arrangement in which France could limit its own naval commitments. Political disagreements therefore coexisted with strong incentives for cooperation. The comparison with British and American interests against Japan applies the same reasoning to the balance of influence in East Asia.
Notable Point · 11:20-14:26
Why a German war against France risks drawing in Britain
Attacking French global trade risks involving Britain because naval commitments and great-power status give the two countries reasons to cooperate.