I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 910: Defeating Shire in Image and Public Opinion Warfare

If it were just about dealing with Germany or England, perhaps there wouldn't be a need for aircraft carriers. After all, it shares a border with Germany, and the narrowest part of the La Manche Strait is only 34 kilometers.

Shire only needs to focus on extending the range of fighters and bombers and ensure the advancement of fighter jets to firmly grasp air superiority.

But at this moment, Shire's target is the world's number one superpower, a "superpower" that maintains world peace and resolves global disputes as the "world police"; without aircraft carriers, it's definitely not feasible.

If something happens in Algeria or Egypt, does France use battleships for deterrence?

The range of battleship guns is just tens of kilometers. As long as the hypothetical enemy avoids this distance, they are out of danger. Ultimately, infantry landing is needed to provoke a war to bring the opponent to submission.

Obviously, this is high cost, high input, high casualties, and the effect is extremely limited.

Aircraft carriers are different. They just need to be positioned near the opponent's waters, and carrier aircraft with ranges of several hundred kilometers can cover the entire area. They can hit wherever desired, bomb wherever needed, imposing tremendous psychological pressure on the opponent without a soldier.

(Note: The strongest deterrence is actually aircraft carriers. Even in the modern era with nuclear weapons, this remains unchanged. Aircraft carriers have a process of approaching the opponent's doorstep and gradually increasing readiness levels, making them the best deterrent equipment, whereas nuclear weapons can only choose between "launching" and "not launching," which is rather sensitive, hence they can only be a last resort.)

Shire once wanted France to closely follow in the footsteps of England and the United States, entering the era of aircraft carriers, but unfortunately, the conditions were not sufficient:

Brest Shipyard had been practically abandoned under the "favoritism" policy of the former Minister of the Navy until Shire introduced a new shipbuilding plan, giving it rebirth.

The newly acquired Toulon Shipyard, although maintaining shipbuilding capabilities, was in chaos and semi-stalled.

(The above picture is the first French aircraft carrier "Béarn," converted from an unfinished "Normandie-class" battleship from World War I, with a total of 5 ships in this class, all dismantled in 1920, except the last one "Béarn," converted into an aircraft carrier and completed in 1927.)

Vice Admiral Gephardt sent Shire an overview of the Toulon Shipyard:

Shipyard workers were conscripted, there was a severe lack of technical personnel, shipbuilding talent was massively laid off and lost, the completed battleship guns were requisitioned by the army or other ships, and coal and steel severely scarce due to priority supply to the army, among others.

Vice Admiral Gephardt gave a pessimistic conclusion: "If the need arises to restart the construction of 5 battleships, there might be tremendous difficulty; if continuance is needed, the whole project must be re-planned, and a large amount of funds, manpower, and resources must be invested."

Shire, however, felt there was no problem.

The requisition of battleship guns by other units might be a good thing; aircraft carriers themselves don't need battleship guns.

If all five unfinished battleships could be converted into aircraft carriers, coupled with the development of carrier-based aircraft, England's title as the world's strongest navy could potentially change hands.

Thinking this in mind, outwardly feigning indifference.

"This is just an alternative plan, Minister," Shire said, struggling: "No one is sure if it is feasible, are you going to exchange 'uncertainty' for France's investment? I feel I cannot persuade the parliament!"

The parliament is the best shield, especially the opposition.

"No, Vice Admiral." The Minister of Military Supplies exaggerated the role of aircraft carriers to the utmost, even though he couldn't confirm they can be realized: "Think about it, it's equivalent to a sea airport, and it's mobile; it can carry fighters and bombers and deploy at any point in combat as long as there is the ocean."

"The problem is," Shire shrugged: "Why don't I develop it myself?"

The Minister of Military Supplies was taken aback.

Yes, Shire is a military genius; he has developed so much equipment that it's uncountable, each a staggering creation.

Why doesn't Shire develop it himself?

Why does he need British aircraft carriers?

I need a reason...

"Data, Vice Admiral." The Minister of Military Supplies pointed to the void:

"During our development process, we conducted numerous test flights and obtained much valuable data."

"This could save your development a lot of time and avoid many pitfalls!"

"Besides related technologies and experiences."

Shire seemed moved, touching his chin in a thinking gesture.

Shire needed precisely these things.

He knew the future development of aircraft carriers, knew what aircraft carriers would eventually be like.

But the construction of aircraft carriers is a systemic project involving various aspects; it's far from merely a surface-level flying platform.

How much impact strength can wooden aircraft structures withstand?

How stable are propeller aircraft during takeoff and landing?

How is the stability of the aircraft carrier hull ensured?

What process requirements does the flight deck need to satisfy impact and load from aircraft takeoffs and landings?

...

All issues require numerous experts to coordinate, plan, and design; even fire prevention, explosion prevention, and scheduling in the hangar are significant projects.

Any single point with issues might result in confusion in future battles, thereby leading to catastrophic consequences.

Shire was almost blank in these areas, meanwhile French shipbuilding talent was severely depleted and extremely scarce.

Instead, England, the world's first navy, had greater advantages; the data she provided might let France save years of exploration time.

Of course, Shire wouldn't let the Minister of Military Supplies know these.

"Alright." Shire frowned, speaking reluctantly:

"It seems this is our only option now; after all, we're allies."

"But frankly speaking, Minister, what you said isn't very tempting."

"What I mean is, even if we developed independently, it wouldn't take long."

The Minister of Military Supplies had no doubt.

But it's Shire speaking, the Shire who developed the "Echo Detector" and the Tank; how could such a military genius be stalled by ordinary technologies?!

"Of course, Vice Admiral." The Minister of Military Supplies showed a joyous expression, nodding repeatedly: "So, are you agreeing to participate in the attack?"

Shire nodded lightly: "In principle, yes, but..."

Shire stared at the Minister of Military Supplies: "Whether to join specifically depends on the value of the data and technology your country provides."

"Yes, of course." Half of the Minister of Military Supplies' anxious heart was relieved: "Rest assured, we won't disappoint you!"

Baker showed a joyous expression, but there was a hint of coldness lurking in his smile.

Shire is no more than this, he thought.

When tempted by these conditions, Shire hadn't thought of one thing:

He had vowed to everyone that France would cease fire, establishing the image of a "peace envoy" externally.

One day, when he again commits to the offensive against Germany, his image will instantly collapse, even if he wins again, as people expect.

This is what the United States truly wants: to defeat Shire in the image and public opinion war!