Just wondering people's opinions; If we avoid a *WW2 conflict with major naval action, so basically no Taranto, no Pearl Harbour (Pacific War in general), how much does this retard the rise of the Aircraft Carrier?
CVs were present in most of the major navies of the time but it took these two actions to really drive home their possible effectiveness. How much were CVs undervalued at the time?
Would a peaceful 1940s see battleships remain as the centre of fleets for years to come? After all the Battle of Lissa in 1866 influenced many fleets to consider ramming a legitimate tactic until the Russo-Japanese War allowed refresh.
Would it take until a major naval war for the battleship to lose primacy? Without 'practical experience' could they remain into the 21st century?