War with the United States would not leave Britain facing a simple one-on-one naval contest. France could support operations against the Philippines from its Asian possessions, while Italy had both anti-Austrian ambitions and reasons to prefer British and French offers. American islands in the Pacific could become bargaining pieces for Italian participation. The United States lacked a fleet capable of forcing a secure route to Italy or countering every regional coalition simultaneously. An American declaration of war would create diplomatic assets for the Entente as well as new military fronts.
Notable Point · 2:44:03-2:52:00
American possessions give France and Italy more options
French access and captured American islands could draw Italy or regional partners further into the Entente coalition.