The scenario gives Britain a fleet whose superiority had been visible for several years. That margin could change what ministers felt they needed to mobilise in a crisis involving Belgium. Greater confidence in deterrence could make Britain more assertive in some decisions and less forceful in others. The diplomatic outcome remains open.
Notable Point · 1:06:15-1:07:15
A wider naval lead and British diplomacy over Belgium
A government that felt less pressed by German naval construction might have judged deterrence and mobilisation differently before the First World War.