Final answer:
The 1900's interpretation of Ratzel's Organic Theory viewed states as living organisms that must expand to thrive, influencing imperialist and expansionist policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1900's, the common interpretation of Friedrich Ratzel's Organic Theory in geography compared states to living organisms. According to this theory, states need space and resources to grow, and like organisms, they are born, grow, compete with each other, and can also die.
This theory provided a rationale for the expansionist policies of the time, such as imperialism and colonialism, suggesting that nations must expand their territory to maintain vitality, often at the expense of weaker nations.