Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Chapter · 1:03:22-1:09:27

Shipyard politics decide which capital ships survive

Tillman's domestic target list follows allied senators, swing states, and working shipyards rather than a neutral ranking of hull completion.

Claude A. SwansonColorado Class BattleshipsLexington Class BattlecruisersMare Island Naval ShipyardNaval ProcurementNewport News ShipbuildingNorfolk Naval ShipyardShip NamingSouth Dakota Class Battleships (1920)USS TillmanWickes Class Destroyers
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Notes

The Wickes-class destroyer USS Tillman already showed how naval construction could honor the senator as well as distribute work. Virginia Senator Claude Swanson gives Newport News and Norfolk political protection, while Mare Island offers another useful source of yard employment. The initial list of favored South Dakota-class hulls includes South Dakota, Indiana, Montana, and North Carolina. Their political value follows yard assignments and potential allies rather than a neutral ranking of completion. Republican-associated ships such as USS Washington become easier sacrifices when Democratic interests receive completed capital ships or replacement contracts. Tillman can then present his eventual acceptance of the treaty as a concession while preserving his shipbuilding coalition.