Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:14:14-2:16:32

How an Allied Japan changes the Atlantic war

The scenario sends Kongo-class fast battleships into the Atlantic and follows the wider consequences of an early Italian naval defeat and Japanese cooperation with Britain.

Alternate HistoryBattle of the AtlanticBattle Of The Denmark StraitImperial Japanese NavyKongo Class BattlecruisersWorld War II
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Question

What might Japanese capital ships do if Japan joined the Allies in 1940?

Short answer

They could reinforce the Atlantic fleet, while Japan's alliance frees British forces and transforms Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and American calculations.

Notes

Kongo-class ships could reinforce Hood and Prince of Wales at Denmark Strait, confronting Bismarck with four capital ships rather than two. If Japanese carrier support also helps neutralize Italy, Britain can redirect ships from the Mediterranean and Far East while Axis submarines lose access to Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean. Japanese participation on the Allied side would also increase pressure on the United States to enter the war and share technology.