During the Falklands Crisis, Lord North used the threat of fleet mobilization against France and Spain. The threat kept them from intervening and secured the settlement he wanted. Naval readiness could therefore support diplomacy before a conflict began. This recent precedent contrasts with the government's later failure to coordinate an effective response as the American war widened.
Notable Point · 29:08-29:27
Lord North's Falklands Crisis precedent
During the Falklands Crisis, Lord North used threatened fleet mobilization to keep France and Spain from intervening and secure Britain's preferred outcome.