Why did Alfred t mahan call for a modern navy?

Alfred Thayer Mahan called for a modern navy because he believed that naval power was essential for national greatness and global influence. He argued that a strong navy would protect trade routes, project military power, and secure national interests. Mahan's theories emphasized the importance of battleships, overseas bases, and a robust merchant marine, which he viewed as critical for a nation's economic and strategic dominance in the age of Imperialism. His ideas significantly influenced naval policy and military strategy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.