British naval priorities were tied directly to the survival of empire. A dispersed imperial system depended on sea routes for movement, supply, and political connection. Dominating naval power preserved those links and therefore preserved Britain's ability to maintain the empire. Maritime supremacy was a structural national requirement rather than merely a preference for prestige.
Notable Point · 1:49:27-1:49:48
Sea power made Britain's empire sustainable
Britain's pursuit of naval dominance was not separate from empire: control of maritime communications was what allowed the imperial system to be maintained.