French doctrine and procurement showed a striking mismatch. Aircraft carriers offered exactly the asymmetric promise associated with Jeune École thought: a comparatively light force able to damage a much larger opponent. France possessed unused treaty tonnage, suitable yards, and the experience of operating Béarn. Yet the faction most committed to economical offensive power was slow to embrace naval aviation as its modern expression. Institutional rivalry preserved the doctrine's language while failing to exploit one of its most consequential applications.
Notable Point · 2:08:40-2:15:00
The aircraft carrier as a missed Jeune École opportunity
A doctrine seeking cheap forces able to defeat larger ones might logically have embraced carriers, yet France built only Béarn.