Q&A · 2:53:04-2:55:21

A world without naval treaties favors a technology race

Limited political funding makes a qualitative shipbuilding contest more likely than an unlimited numerical arms race.

Question

What changes if the interwar naval treaties never happen?

Short answer

The United States and Britain would more likely compete in ship quality and technology than fund an unlimited race in numbers.

Notes

Without the naval treaties, successive generations of battleships, carriers, and cruisers are more plausible than an uncontrolled race in hull numbers. American political support for naval spending was too weak for unlimited construction, while Britain might sustain a steadier program. Warship building also supported employment, shipyards, and industrial capacity. Those economic effects would offset part of the apparent fiscal burden.