Question
How did alfred Thayer mahan help in the creation of an American empire?
He provided three strategies that would greatly increase Americas sea power
He exposed the problem of Americas lack of frontier land
He supported isolationism as a national policy
He drafted the naval act of 1890
He provided three strategies that would greatly increase Americas sea power
He exposed the problem of Americas lack of frontier land
He supported isolationism as a national policy
He drafted the naval act of 1890
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Alfred Thayer Mahan significantly influenced the development of American naval power and imperial ambitions through his ideas on sea power, rather than by directly drafting legislation or advocating isolationism. Here’s how he contributed to the creation of an American empire, specifically in relation to your options:
1. **He provided three strategies that would greatly increase America's sea power**: Mahan argued that a strong navy was essential for national greatness and advocated for an increase in the number of battleships, a strong merchant marine, and naval bases around the world to support and project American influence. His ideas, outlined in his influential book "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783," inspired naval expansion and strategic planning.
2. **He exposed the problem of America's lack of frontier land**: While this option is somewhat indirectly related, Mahan's emphasis on the necessity of expanding American influence overseas can be seen in the context of the closing of the American frontier. His work reinforced the idea that the U.S. needed to look beyond its borders for new markets and resources, which contributed to imperialist sentiment.
3. **He supported isolationism as a national policy**: This is not accurate. Mahan did not support isolationism; rather, he advocated for expanding American naval power and engaging more actively in international affairs.
4. **He drafted the naval act of 1890**: Mahan did not directly draft this legislation, but his ideas greatly influenced policymakers and naval strategy during that period. The Naval Act of 1890 authorized the construction of new ships and aimed to expand the U.S. Navy, aligning with Mahan's vision of a powerful maritime presence.
In summary, Mahan's emphasis on sea power and naval expansion provided a framework that encouraged the U.S. to pursue imperialism and assert its presence on the global stage. The correct choice that aligns most closely with his contributions is the first one regarding the strategies to increase sea power.
1. **He provided three strategies that would greatly increase America's sea power**: Mahan argued that a strong navy was essential for national greatness and advocated for an increase in the number of battleships, a strong merchant marine, and naval bases around the world to support and project American influence. His ideas, outlined in his influential book "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783," inspired naval expansion and strategic planning.
2. **He exposed the problem of America's lack of frontier land**: While this option is somewhat indirectly related, Mahan's emphasis on the necessity of expanding American influence overseas can be seen in the context of the closing of the American frontier. His work reinforced the idea that the U.S. needed to look beyond its borders for new markets and resources, which contributed to imperialist sentiment.
3. **He supported isolationism as a national policy**: This is not accurate. Mahan did not support isolationism; rather, he advocated for expanding American naval power and engaging more actively in international affairs.
4. **He drafted the naval act of 1890**: Mahan did not directly draft this legislation, but his ideas greatly influenced policymakers and naval strategy during that period. The Naval Act of 1890 authorized the construction of new ships and aimed to expand the U.S. Navy, aligning with Mahan's vision of a powerful maritime presence.
In summary, Mahan's emphasis on sea power and naval expansion provided a framework that encouraged the U.S. to pursue imperialism and assert its presence on the global stage. The correct choice that aligns most closely with his contributions is the first one regarding the strategies to increase sea power.