Expansion of which military branch was emphasized as essential for the U.S. to become a world power?

The emphasis on the expansion of the Navy as essential for the U.S. to become a world power is rooted in the strategic vision articulated by influential figures like Alfred Thayer Mahan, whose ideas gained prominence in the late 19th century. Mahan argued that national greatness and global influence were tied directly to naval supremacy. He contended that a strong navy was crucial for protecting trade routes, asserting military power globally, and projecting national interests overseas.

During this period, the United States was moving beyond its continental borders, seeking an active role in international affairs. The construction of more advanced battleships, such as the “Great White Fleet,” exemplified this shift in policy, marking a clear acknowledgment that a formidable navy was vital for the U.S. to compete with other imperial powers like Great Britain and Germany. This naval expansion was seen not just as a military enhancement but also as a means to secure economic interests and promote American values on an international scale, further highlighting its importance in the context of U.S. imperialism.