Notable Point · 21:30-22:27

Postwar peace optimism and premature cancellation

Britain cancelled before negotiations because policymakers expected lasting peace after the First World War. The Treasury could have stopped or reshaped an unaffordable programme earlier.

Defence Spending Diplomatic Leverage Interwar Period Naval Disarmament Naval Policy Naval Treaty Negotiations Political Decision Making Postwar Reconstruction Royal Navy Strategic Assumptions Treasury Washington Naval Treaty World War I

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Notes

The Treasury had enough influence to stop or reshape the G3 and N3 programmes earlier if cost alone made them impossible. Cancellation instead came before Britain reached the negotiating table. The decision reflected confidence that the Great War would be the war to end all wars. The hope for peace is understandable, but it led policymakers to discard bargaining assets before testing what concessions they might secure. The episode warns against letting optimistic strategic assumptions determine the timing of irreversible choices.