Why would a powerful navy be important to the imperialist ambitions of the united states

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

A powerful navy must be important to the imperialist ambitions of the United States in that the expansion of U.S. island territories was central to defend the country.

This was one of the most important ideas of US Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan that supported the idea of the expansion ambitions.

Alfred Thayer Mahan was a civil war naval commander who wrote a book that impacted U.S. military leaders: “The Influence of Sea Power on History.” He was one of the main proponents of strong foreign policy.

He promoted the idea of the United States had to maintain its power and influence through the use of a strong navy, like the British naval force of the 18th century. He stated that the United States needed to have warships to protect merchants from pirates and to maintain overseas colonies. To ensure ensuring access to new international markets, Mahen supported the idea of a renovated merchant navy, an American battleship navy to combat rivals, and new naval bases to provide fuel and supplies for the navy.

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