The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783 (1890) by Alfred Thayer Mahan argues that control of the sea is crucial for national power, prosperity, and expansion, analyzing how Great Britain achieved dominance through a strong navy, strategic colonies, and trade. Mahan's work, which emphasizes factors like geography, a powerful fleet, and a strong merchant marine, profoundly influenced global naval strategy, prompting naval buildups before World War I and shaping American expansionism.
