Final answer:
The Navy remained conservative due to isolationist tendencies, but there were attempts at modernization driven by the need for strong navies and ideas put forth by Alfred Mahan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Navy remained technologically conservative during the first half of the nineteenth century primarily due to the country's isolationist tendencies and the lack of perceived immediate threats from other nations.
However, there were attempts at modernization, driven by factors such as the need for stronger navies to protect commercial trade and the ideas put forth by naval theorist Alfred Mahan.
Mahan argued that the United States needed a stronger and more modern fleet to achieve great commercial power and secure access to foreign markets. He also emphasized the importance of acquiring refueling stations across the globe to ensure the navy's ability to operate effectively.
In line with Mahan's ideas, the United States pursued modernization efforts, including the acquisition of Hawaii, establishing coaling stations in the Caribbean and Asia, and the eventual construction of a canal across the Panama isthmus.
Industrialists also supported the modernization of the navy as it would provide access to foreign markets for American-made products and raw materials. Despite the United States' previous opposition to colonial economics, the goal was to respect the independence of foreign nations while spreading ideas about democracy and freedom.