The earlier German discussions considered whether an invasion of Britain could become theoretically possible. Their assumptions included control of northern France and a naval victory sufficient to provide sea control. Those were substantial conditions, with no assurance that they would occur together. Treating the discussion as a developed invasion plan invites more detailed reconstruction than the material supports. Sea Lion provides a different case because it did progress to operational planning, albeit over a short period.
Notable Point · 2:17-3:57
What the German discussions of 1903 can establish
Distinguish conditional German discussions about invading Britain in 1903 from the operational planning undertaken for Sea Lion.