Which U.S. naval officer advocated for a stronger navy and imperial expansion in his book "The Influence of Sea Power upon History"?

Alfred Thayer Mahan is recognized for his influential work "The Influence of Sea Power upon History," which was published in 1890. In this book, Mahan argued that national greatness and prosperity were closely tied to maritime power. He emphasized that a strong navy was essential for protecting a nation's interests and securing trade routes. Mahan's theories advocated that countries with powerful navies would be more capable of projecting their influence and expanding their territorial reach globally, particularly during the age of imperialism.

His ideas greatly impacted U.S. naval policy and contributed to the expansion of the navy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His arguments were instrumental in shaping America's imperial ambitions, as they reinforced the belief that a robust naval presence was crucial for the United States to compete on the world stage. Mahan's work created a theoretical foundation that justified the pursuit of a larger and more capable navy, leading to greater engagement in overseas territories and conflicts.

The other figures listed did have their own significant contributions to U.S. history and imperialism, but it was Mahan's specific focus on naval power and its implications for national strategy that set him apart as the foremost advocate in this context.