Historically, German-gun testing helped shape the redesign of the 16-inch gun and shell system used by Nelson and Rodney. More German test ships could give Britain and the United States a broader technical sample, exposing misleading conclusions before they shaped later weapons. At the same time, every navy would worry about what rivals learned and build against capabilities that did not yet exist. Britain made a similar anticipatory decision when it began Warrior before the French ironclad Gloire had proved herself in service. That feedback loop encourages a construction boom, delays limitation talks, and increases the chance that G3s, Lexingtons, South Dakotas, Amagis, or even N3s reach completion.
Chapter · 48:12-56:47
German technology sparks a naval construction boom
Multiple navies studying German guns, armor, and fire control would reduce some testing errors while creating new uncertainty about competitors' designs.
16-inch GunsAmagi Class BattlecruisersCapital Ship ConstructionG3 Class BattlecruisersGloireGun TestingInterwar NavyIroncladsLexington Class BattlecruisersMilitary InnovationN3 Class BattleshipsNaval Arms RaceNaval GunneryNaval Industrial BaseNelson Class BattleshipsShell DesignShip DesignSouth Dakota Class Battleships (1920)Technology DiffusionTechnology TransferThreat PerceptionWarrior Class IroncladsWashington Naval TreatyWeapons Testing