French planning had to reconcile two theaters and two competing fleet philosophies. A Mediterranean war against Italy might have to be fought largely with French resources, whereas an Atlantic or Far Eastern war would almost certainly be coalition warfare. That difference affected what France needed to contribute and intensified disagreement over capital ships, cruisers, and lighter offensive forces. The resulting fleet had to remain credible against Italy while offering ships valuable enough to earn France influence inside a much larger allied force.
Chapter · 15:20-21:00
Two theaters and two competing fleet philosophies
France had to reconcile Mediterranean requirements with an allied war beyond the theater while its navy debated balanced forces against Jeune École concepts.