Admiral Mahan's arguments were that our growing production needs this, we need ways to respond quickly, and that we need to be closer.
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His take on the important role of sea power in the world
One of Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan's most important goals was to emphasize the significance of naval power in determining national greatness and strategic dominance. He advocated for the development of a strong navy, arguing that control of the seas was crucial for economic prosperity and military success. Mahan's ideas influenced naval policies around the world, leading to an arms race among major powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as nations sought to expand their fleets and assert their influence globally.
The rise of modern steel navies from the 1890s through the 20th century.