Britain's traditional two-power standard used France and Russia as its benchmark. Russia usually formed the smaller addition to the French fleet. Maintaining that margin became harder when the next two naval powers were larger and more effectively supplied, funded, and organized. The practical cost of the standard therefore depended on the strength and support of the fleets being counted.
Notable Point · 9:18-9:43
Stronger rival navies strained Britain's two-power standard
A France-plus-Russia benchmark became harder to sustain as Britain's leading naval rivals grew stronger and better supported.