Q&A · 3:47:40-3:48:17

Without Washington, the naval race settles into recurring small batches

Britain and the United States would probably order about four ships in each three-year cycle, with Japan maintaining a smaller parallel program.

Question

What is a plausible capital-ship race if the Washington Naval Treaty never occurs?

Short answer

A continuing qualitative race in small recurring batches, with Britain and America building roughly twice Japan's rate.

Notes

The United States might initially finish the ships already on the slips and pause additional orders. Japan could continue until the Great Kanto earthquake disrupted its program, while Britain maintained construction at a slower pace. Over time, however, the contest would settle into a qualitative rhythm rather than end. Britain and America could order roughly four capital ships across each three-year period, with Japan building perhaps two while all three watched the next design generation.