The comparison distinguishes qualitative from quantitative competition in the dreadnought era. Germany had the technical ability to push designs forward, but the Imperial German Navy sought the greatest force its industry could provide at the lowest cost. More expensive ships threatened a budget fight with the army, a political contest the navy was unlikely to win. Britain's 15-inch-gunned Queen Elizabeth class shows how warship design could raise the financial stakes of the naval race.
Notable Point · 28:21-30:18
Why Germany's dreadnought race was also a budget fight
The German navy could pursue advanced designs, but technological escalation risked a political contest with the army over funding.