Why a Japan-first strategy still needs new ships

How quickly could the United States defeat Japan if it adopted Japan-first after Pearl Harbor?

The estimate is 18 months to two years after the Essex-class carrier force enters service. Giving Japan priority would do little to remove the initial shipbuilding constraint.

Changing strategic priorities could not produce the carriers and battleships needed for a sustained Pacific offensive. Japan held the initial advantage in usable capital ships after Pearl Harbor, and American construction had to reverse that balance. The optimistic estimate is still 18 months to two years after the Essex-class carrier force enters service. This construction delay helps explain Admiral King's acceptance of Europe-first: the Royal Navy could conduct the European naval operations while the United States built the force needed against Japan.