Final answer:
Alfred Mahan recommended the enhancement of the U.S. Navy, establishment of naval bases, and construction of the Panama Canal but did not suggest the reopening of the American frontier. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the recommendations of Alfred Mahan who was a naval strategist and the impact of his ideas on the expansion policies of the United States. Alfred Mahan did not recommend the reopening of the American frontier as a strategy for America to build an empire (Option C in the reference). His primary focus was on naval strength and international presence rather than domestic expansion. He advocated for a stronger navy, the establishment of naval bases around the world, and the construction of a canal through Central America.
Mahan's strategies, once adopted, significantly influenced the growth of U.S. naval power. His direct influence led to the creation of a modern and more capable Navy, expanding from the twelfth-ranked naval power to the third in the world by the end of the 1890s. He understood the importance of the navy in both commercial and military terms, emphasizing the need for faster battleships and acquiring strategic locations that could serve as refueling stations—like Hawaii and coaling stations in the Caribbean and Asia.
Following his advice, the US actively pursued the construction of a Panama Canal, which would have a profound impact on the speed and flexibility of naval and commercial shipping between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The canal significantly reduced travel time and operational costs, bolstering American interests in East Asia and the Pacific.
In summary, the answer to the question, which of the following did Mahan not recommend for the U.S. is C. Annex colonies in the Pacific.