What if Washington Treaty carrier tonnage were doubled while the 27,000-ton ship limit remained?
Short answerThe major navies could build more full-sized carriers, and France and Italy might enter carrier construction early enough to reshape Mediterranean warfare.
NotesWith a 27,000-ton per-ship limit but twice the aggregate tonnage, Britain could standardize on larger, less compromised carriers resembling an Ark Royal or Implacable concept. Repeating a common full-sized design would also reduce the need to accept numerous small-carrier compromises. Japan would gain similar freedom, while French construction could prompt an Italian response. The Mediterranean might develop genuine carrier competition before or during the Second World War.