Alfred Thayer Mahan

Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914) was a U.S. naval officer and historian whose ideas significantly influenced naval strategy and international relations. He wrote "The Influence of Sea Power upon History," arguing that a nation's strength and global power are closely tied to its naval capabilities. Mahan believed that control of the seas through powerful navies enabled nations to protect their trade routes, project military power, and expand their influence. His concepts shaped naval policies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encouraging countries to build larger fleets, which played a crucial role in World War I and beyond.