Why did Alfred mahan think it was important to build a large navy?

Alfred Thayer Mahan believed that a strong navy was essential for national greatness and global influence. He argued that control of the seas was crucial for trade, military power, and the projection of national interests. Mahan contended that a large navy would ensure the protection of maritime commerce and enable a nation to assert its power internationally, ultimately shaping the course of history. His ideas significantly influenced naval policies and strategies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.