What contribution did Alfred t.mahan make to help America become an imperial?

Alfred Thayer Mahan was a naval officer and historian whose influential work, "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783," argued that naval supremacy was crucial for national greatness and global power. His ideas promoted the expansion of the U.S. Navy and the establishment of overseas bases, which helped facilitate American Imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mahan's emphasis on sea power influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to increased military presence and territorial acquisitions, such as the annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish-American War. His theories underpinned the belief that control of the seas was essential for economic and military strength, shaping America’s imperial ambitions.