Can someone please give me some information on why Alfred Thayer Mayan was for imperialism? Thanks(:
Mahan* not Mayan...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Thayer_Mahan
Certainly! Alfred Thayer Mahan was a prominent American naval officer, strategist, and historian in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his advocacy of naval power and his influential book, "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History," which was published in 1890.
To understand why Mahan was in favor of imperialism, we need to look at the key ideas presented in his book. In "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History," Mahan argued that a strong navy was crucial for a nation's economic and military growth. He believed that control of the sea and access to global markets were essential for a country's prosperity and security.
Mahan's theories supported the expansionist and imperialist policies pursued by many Western powers during that era. He argued that the acquisition of naval bases and colonies around the world would provide strategic advantages for a nation's navy and its ability to project power globally.
One of the main reasons Mahan supported imperialism was the need for resources and robust markets. He believed that controlling foreign territories would secure access to vital resources such as raw materials, as well as new markets for goods produced in the home country. This, in turn, would stimulate economic growth and enhance the nation's overall power and wealth.
Additionally, Mahan saw colonies and naval bases as crucial for maintaining and protecting maritime trade routes. He argued that establishing bases in various regions would create a network of strategic locations, facilitating the movement of goods and ensuring the security of merchant ships. By controlling critical chokepoints, a nation could effectively regulate and safeguard its trade interests.
Furthermore, Mahan believed that a powerful navy was necessary for a nation to establish itself as a major world power. He advocated for the construction of modern, technologically advanced warships, emphasizing their ability to project dominance and exert control over global affairs. He saw naval supremacy as an essential component of a country's geopolitical influence and believed that acquiring colonies would support and expand naval capabilities.
To summarize, Alfred Thayer Mahan was an advocate of imperialism because he believed that acquiring colonies and controlling sea trade routes would enhance a nation's economic growth, secure its access to resources, and help establish global dominance through naval power. His ideas had a significant influence on the policies of many countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.