British postwar gun development, American 16-inch construction, and Japanese industrial limits point to a qualitative race rather than a simple numerical arms race. Britain might emphasize speed and global range. The United States could emphasize gun power and coastal defense, allowing both navies to claim advantages in different categories. Japan could pursue its 8-8 plan only at the pace its yards and supporting industry permitted. The result resembles prestige competition and technical one-upmanship more than a direct march toward Anglo-American war.
Notable Point · 26:31-33:47
A qualitative Anglo-American race in capital ships
Without treaty limits, Britain and the United States could compete over gun power, speed, and range without treating one another as likely wartime enemies.