Final answer:
Alfred Mahan's thesis on the importance of naval power in The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783, had a significant impact on American foreign policy by advocating for naval expansion, acquisition of territories for strategic coaling stations, and canal construction, positioning the U.S. as a major global power by the end of the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The end of the 19th century was a pivotal period for American foreign policy, marking a shift towards imperialism and naval expansion. This transition is largely attributed to the ideological influence of Alfred Thayer Mahan, whose work, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783, outlined the paramount importance of a strong navy to a nation's power.
Mahan posited that countries with greater naval power controlled global commerce and thus exerted significant global influence. He suggested that the U.S. needed to modernize its naval forces, acquire strategic coaling stations, and control key maritime locations like Hawaii and the proposed Panama Canal to ensure security and propel its economic interests. The following transformations supported Mahan's thesis as a turning point:
- A shift in naval strategy and construction of a modern fleet post-Naval Act of 1890.
- Acquisition of territories such as Hawaii and the construction of coaling stations that expanded U.S. reach.
- Beginning of the Panama Canal, which would greatly benefit naval logistics.
By the late 1890s, the U.S. Navy escalated to the world's third strongest, underscoring Mahan's impact. His thesis resonated with policy-makers, such as Theodore Roosevelt, resulting in a tactical and assertive foreign policy that contributed to America's imperialistic ambitions. Mahan's ideas laid the groundwork for the U.S. to become a global force and instigated an international arms race leading up to World War I.