I think that if Germany had started the war with at least seven carriers and pilots that could maximize their use, it might have had an impact on the war, but unless it could be translated into a quick victory over GB, I expect they would be taken out in short order.

In most cases, submarines were more effective against ships. Over 50% of the tonnage we sank was due to the 2% of total ships in the submarine fleet. Considering the problems early with torpedos, that is significant.

Even if the germans could protect the carriers from allied subs, by war end, the US had 36 carriers and 78 CVEs. The Japanese could not stop the allies and they had built 23 carriers.

In 1941, the British had over 6 carriers, the US had 8, and the Japanese 10. If I remember right, by 1945, the number of British carriers, including CVEs, exceeded 60.

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