The myth of unquestioned British sea supremacy

What major myth in naval history is particularly misleading?

That British sea supremacy was unquestioned; repeated scares and arms races show that it was challenged and had to be maintained.

The phrase 'British supremacy was unquestioned' is a harmful simplification. Naval scares, mobilizations, and construction races existed precisely because rivals could threaten Britain's position. Looking backward from later outcomes hides how uncertain contemporaries found the balance of power. The exchange encourages readers to study naval supremacy as an actively maintained advantage rather than a permanent condition.