US Navy needed at least 40 battleships according to the magazine Mitteilungen aus dem Gebiete des Seewesens dated 1912 no. 1

An item reported that the USA Secretary of the Navy Meyer (1) proposed in his annual account to built yearly two battleships until the number of 40 was reached. This was the minimum strength if the USA wished to maintain her position as world power.

Note
1. George von Lengerke Meyer (24 June 1858 Boston, Massachusetts, USA-9 March 1918 Boston, Massachusetts, USA), businessman and politician, 1909-1913 secretary of the navy.