The Jeune École drew strength from a real French problem: a continental power had to finance both land defence and a navy capable of sustaining great-power and imperial status. France's strategic freedom narrowed as Germany, Italy, and Spain became more coherent states around its borders. Paixhans-style shell fire made the claim that cheap small vessels could defeat expensive capital ships especially attractive. A technically bold doctrine could therefore look like a solution to an army-versus-navy budget problem.
Chapter · 4:18-7:24
France's strategic dilemma and the appeal of small ships
Rapid-firing shells appeared to offer France an affordable way for small ships to defeat larger warships while preserving its imperial role.