Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:01:24-2:02:33

The battle needed to preserve super-battleships

A Yamato victory over a carrier group could recast battleships as essential carrier escorts and revive 70,000-ton programs.

Aircraft CarriersIowa Class BattleshipsLion Class BattleshipsMontana Class BattleshipsYamato Class Battleships
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What would have to happen for 70,000-ton super-battleships to be built after the Second World War?

Short answer

Yamato would need a major victory over carriers that convinced navies battleships were necessary to protect carrier groups.

Notes

The counterfactual requires Yamato or Musashi to surprise and destroy early Essex-class carriers and their escorts. Such a result would suggest carrier groups were not safe without heavy-gun protection. The United States would likely complete the Montanas and all Iowas, while Britain would finish the Lions.