Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:31:47-2:32:08

American fast battleships and carriers strengthened Roosevelt's hand

A viewer asks whether the funded American battleship and Essex-class programs influenced Roosevelt's negotiating position.

Essex Class Aircraft CarriersFast BattleshipsFranklin D. RooseveltUS Navy
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Question

Did the funded fast-battleship and Essex-class building programs influence Roosevelt's ideas in 1941?

Short answer

Probably: the powerful fleet already on order gave Roosevelt a stronger hand in dealing with Britain and planning the postwar balance.

Notes

The enormous fleet already authorized in 1941 meant Roosevelt could anticipate a rapidly strengthening American position. Ten fast battleships and the coming Essex-class carriers promised power that Britain could not ignore in its own planning. Those public building programs probably gave the president greater leverage.