An isolationist United States still benefits when another acceptable power bears the cost of stabilizing world trade. Without a navy maintaining maritime order, foreign disruption can raise American domestic prices even when the United States produces the affected goods itself. HMS Hood's speed and range made her useful for Britain's global policing mission. Additional American 16-inch-gun ships would reduce her leverage in a fleet engagement, letting Tillman accept her survival while using her as a bargaining card for continued American construction.
Chapter · 50:54-54:03
HMS Hood remains useful to an American isolationist
Tillman can accept HMS Hood because her global cruising value supports British sea-lane policing without making her decisive against a stronger American battle line.