Battle lines had to manoeuvre and fight as formations, so differences in top speed, cruising speed, and turning circle complicated every order. Admirals, captains, and crews had encountered this problem while combining ironclads, steam battleships, and later classes. The American standard battle line accepted limits on individual ships so successive classes could operate together more easily. A compatible fleet could achieve more in combat than a collection of faster or more powerful ships that handled differently.
Notable Point · 24:32-26:19
Why battle lines needed common performance
The US standard battle line illustrates why common speed, turning performance, and handling could make a fleet stronger than a collection of individually superior ships.