Who was Alfred Thayer Mahan?

Alfred Thayer Mahan was a prominent naval historian and strategist who significantly influenced naval theory through his writings, particularly his seminal work, "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783." In this book, Mahan argued that a nation's strength and global power were closely linked to its control of the seas, asserting that naval dominance was crucial for national success. He believed that strong naval forces could protect trade routes, assert territorial claims, and project military power, making sea power a pivotal aspect of strategy in warfare. Mahan's theories shaped naval policies in several countries, including the United States, and led to a greater emphasis on naval expansion and modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His insights remain foundational in the study of military strategy and the role of naval forces in international relations.