HMS Dreadnought was launched at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, marking a significant advancement in naval engineering and military strategy. Designed by Admiral Sir John Fisher, the Dreadnought was equipped with ten 12-inch guns in a revolutionary all-big-gun configuration, which contrasted sharply with the mixed-caliber armaments of earlier battleships. Additionally, it employed steam turbines instead of conventional reciprocating engines, which enhanced speed and maneuverability. The ship's launch on this day drew considerable public attention, with thousands of spectators gathering to witness what was touted as the future of naval warfare.

Dreadnought's introduction altered perceptions of naval power. Nations worldwide scrambled to produce their own dreadnought-type vessels, leading to an arms race among naval powers, chiefly between Britain and Germany. The Royal Navy's policy of maintaining a two-power standard—having a navy stronger than the next two navies combined—was directly influenced by the launch's implications for military strategy. The new ship was not merely an improvement on existing designs but a complete rethinking of how a battleship should be constructed and operated, emphasizing firepower and speed over armor alone.

Over the years, HMS Dreadnought served with distinction, participating in maneuvers and fostering advances in naval tactics. Its influence extended beyond its service life, as future battleships adopted similar construction philosophies inspired by Dreadnought's design. The vessel became a symbol of naval innovation and British maritime supremacy during a tumultuous era leading up to World War I.