To examine the logical conclusion that Britain and Germany were engaged in an arms race based on the construction data of dreadnoughts, we need to analyze the information provided.
### Step-by-Step Analysis:
1. Pre-1910 Construction:
- Britain: 7 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 7 dreadnoughts
- Observation: Both nations had an equal number of dreadnoughts before 1910, suggesting a balanced initial naval capability.
2. Construction in 1910:
- Britain: 3 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 1 dreadnought
- Observation: Britain constructed more dreadnoughts than Germany this year, indicating a push to outpace Germany in naval strength.
3. Construction in 1911:
- Britain: 5 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 3 dreadnoughts
- Observation: Again, Britain constructed more than Germany, continuing to build their naval superiority.
4. Construction in 1912:
- Britain: 3 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 2 dreadnoughts
- Observation: Both nations continued to build, with Britain still ahead but Germany increasing their efforts.
5. Construction in 1913:
- Britain: 7 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 3 dreadnoughts
- Observation: A significant increase by Britain, aiming to further distance themselves in naval strength.
6. Construction in 1914:
- Britain: 3 dreadnoughts
- Germany: 1 dreadnought
- Observation: Britain maintained higher production, showing continuous dedication to expanding their naval fleet.
### Conclusion:
Analyzing the annual construction data from 1910 to 1914, a pattern emerges where both Britain and Germany are consistently adding to their fleets, with Britain generally outpacing Germany. This pattern reflects characteristics of an arms race—each nation increasing military capacity in response to the other’s actions, aiming to establish or maintain superiority.
- 1910: Britain started to pull ahead.
- 1911-1914: Consistent construction with Britain leading in numbers most years.
In summary, the construction data supports the conclusion that Britain and Germany were engaged in an arms race, continuously building their dreadnought fleets to either achieve or maintain naval dominance.
