Final answer:
Alfred Mahan recognized the importance of a navy for national power, advocating for a modern fleet and naval bases, which influenced U.S. naval expansion before the Spanish-American War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of a navy during the Revolutionary War was recognized by several key figures, but naval theorist and historian Alfred Mahan is prominent for stressing the vital role of naval power in a nation's strength and prosperity. Mahan outlined the importance of a modern fleet and naval bases, and his ideas influenced the expansion of the U.S. Navy before and during the Spanish-American War. His seminal work The Influence of Seapower upon History emphasized a strategy for America that involved building a stronger navy, establishing a network of naval bases, and constructing a canal across Central America to enhance naval mobility.
Throughout history, commanding naval forces have been crucial in establishing control over trade routes and asserting national power. The USS Constitution, an American frigate known as "Old Ironsides," became an icon of American naval resilience. During the War of 1812, the ship's ability to outrun British ships was considered a victory and boosted American morale. In that era, a nation's naval capability was often the difference between victory and defeat, influencing international commerce and geopolitical clout.