The later voyage of the Great White Fleet illustrates the same balance of power. A British visit would have required an escort, but assembling the Home, Channel, and perhaps Mediterranean fleets could have surrounded the American battleships with a much larger display. The welcome would have advertised British superiority while formally honoring the visitors. Naval ceremony and fleet concentration could therefore send a strategic message without hostile action.
Notable Point · 38:38-39:25
Great White Fleet and status signaling
The Great White Fleet's omission of Britain illustrates how a friendly reception could still become an overwhelming Royal Navy demonstration of relative power.