Who was the military historian advocating for a strong navy to enhance U.S. power?

Alfred T. Mahan was a prominent military historian whose work significantly influenced naval strategy and the U.S. government's approach to imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mahan is best known for his book "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783," published in 1890. In this work, he argued that the success of nations was largely determined by their naval strength and control of international trade routes. He believed that a powerful navy was essential for securing and projecting national interests, especially as the United States was expanding its influence overseas.

Mahan's ideas encouraged the U.S. government and military to invest in a modern navy, leading to significant naval developments, including the construction of battleships and the establishment of naval bases. His emphasis on sea power contributed to the U.S. becoming a more formidable presence on the global stage during the age of imperialism, influencing foreign policy decisions and military strategies.

In contrast, figures such as Frederick Jackson Turner focused on American frontier history and its impact on democracy and character, while Matthew Perry is known primarily for his role in opening Japan to U.S. trade, and Theodore Roosevelt, while an advocate for strong naval power as president, was more