The scenario replaces the Colorado class with Tillman III, a projected 30-knot battleship carrying twelve 16-inch guns at roughly 57,000 tons. If ordered in 1917, three ships could be far enough advanced by the Washington negotiations that the United States would resist scrapping them. The resulting treaty would need a standard-displacement ceiling of at least 50,000 tons, perhaps 55,000. British construction would begin changing earlier: Stanley Goodall's presence with the Americans and knowledge of American yards would reveal the design while the ships were being built. The example redirects Britain's planning away from the Admiral battlecruiser route in response to the American ships. The scenario does not require Tillman to live longer, provided construction has advanced far enough before his death.
Notable Point · 2:52:36-2:55:29
A completed Tillman III reshapes the battleship race
Choosing Tillman III instead of the Colorado class would put a 30-knot, twelve-gun fast battleship near completion before Washington and force a treaty ceiling around 50,000 to 55,000 tons.