The South Carolina class as a conservative American dreadnought

South Carolina followed a parallel American all-big-gun design path rather than simply reacting to HMS Dreadnought. The class used vertical triple-expansion engines, two shafts, and a top speed of only 18.5 knots. Its range was about 6,950 nautical miles at 10 knots, giving it useful endurance despite the conservative machinery. The speed difference made it a poor match for Dreadnought in a fleet action, yet it remained a sensible deterrent alongside merchant convoys. A battlecruiser could outrun it, but attacking its charges would mean accepting heavy-gun fire when easier prey was available elsewhere.