Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:41:00-2:42:47

Which American cruiser classes would multiply?

Earlier expansion most likely produces more Pensacola- or Northampton-class cruisers before later treaty limits intervene.

London Naval TreatyNorthampton Class Heavy CruisersPensacola Class Heavy CruisersPortland Class CruisersWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

If the United States built more prewar cruisers, which classes would be repeated?

Short answer

Most likely Pensacola-class ships, or Northamptons if authorization came slightly later.

Notes

Which cruiser class appears depends on when Congress authorizes the ships. Pensacola construction began in the mid-1920s and the Northampton program followed, making those established designs the quickest candidates for repetition under the Washington treaty. The Portland class began later and is less plausible for an early expansion. More completed American cruisers would then shape the tonnage bargain negotiated at London rather than simply being discarded. Procurement timing therefore determines both which hulls appear by 1941 and what later arms-control limits must accommodate.