Battleship Quote by David Edgerton
““Thus, a battleship cost around £10m in 1940. Building that battleship today might cost £500m, but to build a battleship representing the same proportion of current GDP would mean spending £2.5bn.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History Since 1900, 2006
Historical costs of military assets rise dramatically, reflecting economic growth and inflation.
In simple terms: Warships become far more expensive over time.
Consider economic context in defense budgeting.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy analysis
- historical research
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do nations balance defense needs with fiscal constraints?
- What alternatives exist to traditional battleships?
High costs may limit strategic flexibility.