A theory that assumes an obliging enemy

The Jeune École expected defensive flotillas to destroy an enemy battle fleet approaching the French coast while cruisers attacked overseas trade. Its success depended on the opponent entering the trap without an effective response. The comparison with Japanese planning in the late 1930s raises the same problem: an American or British fleet had to keep advancing through repeated torpedo attacks until it had lost enough strength for a decisive battle. A professional opponent could instead withdraw, replace losses through its industrial capacity, consolidate gains, and resume the advance.