What effect did the influence of sea power on history have on the us?

The influence of sea power on history, as articulated by Alfred Thayer Mahan, significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy and naval strategy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It led to the expansion of the U.S. Navy and the pursuit of overseas territories, exemplified by the acquisition of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. This maritime focus not only bolstered American military and economic strength but also established the United States as a key player in global affairs, ultimately contributing to its emergence as a world power.