The End of the British Empire

If Britain loses, they're done. Whereas Napoleon lost Trafalgar and then went on to win Austro-Litz and dictate peace to most of Europe. They're just what Orwell called the cold and unimportant island with a vampire. If you can't defeat their navy or threaten their navy, then they're going to dictate what happens to you. It actually is a strategic consideration. You can't just blow off the naval contest if you're meaning to rival them long term.