Mediterranean strategy favors fast battleships

Italy did not need battlecruisers for worldwide commerce raiding or the defense of a far-flung maritime empire. Its principal problem was controlling the Mediterranean, where opponents would have to approach or pass through a comparatively confined theater. A fast battleship could cover the required area without sacrificing armor for a specialized high-speed role. A very large navy could divide pounding power and fast missions between battleships and battlecruisers, but a smaller navy had to maximize each capital ship's capability. Even a fleet of only nine or ten fast battleships could use a modest speed advantage to choose engagements against slower battleships. Battlecruisers, meanwhile, would be reluctant to fight ships carrying battleship armor and guns.