What was a foundational change in naval warfare initiated by HMS Dreadnought?

The concept of a dreadnought battleship represents a foundational change in naval warfare initiated by HMS Dreadnought. Launched in 1906, HMS Dreadnought revolutionized naval design and strategy by introducing an entirely new type of battleship that was faster, more heavily armed, and featured an all-big-gun armament. This marked a significant departure from previous battleship designs, which often combined different calibers of guns.

The dreadnought's emphasis on powerful, uniform main guns allowed for greater range and firepower, changing how naval engagements were approached. The advent of dreadnoughts led to a naval arms race among the world's powers, with countries striving to build their own dreadnought-class ships. This not only impacted naval construction but also strategic maritime warfare, shifting the focus toward larger, more heavily armed fleets and altering naval tactics for years to come.

The other choices, while relevant in the broader context of naval warfare, are not directly linked to the specific innovations introduced by HMS Dreadnought. The introduction of guided missiles and the establishment of naval aviation represent later developments in naval technology, and the shift from sail power to steam power occurred well before Dreadnought’s launch. Thus, the