Ancient Greek city-states and Rome provide a shorthand for the error in Japanese expectations. Greek states could fight a major battle and negotiate afterward, with the victor taking terms within limits. Rome instead sent another army after a defeat and dictated terms after victory. The comparison places the United States, the British Empire, and other large empires closer to Rome's pattern of committing new forces until victory or collapse. Destroying one Allied fleet would therefore fail to compel peace by itself.
Notable Point · 3:42-4:46
Greeks, Romans, and the politics of losing a fleet
The analogy contrasts Greek city-state negotiations after a major battle with Rome's repeated mobilization, then places America and Britain closer to the Roman pattern.