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Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan

**Occupation:** Mahan started as a soldier on Union side of Civil War, and later lectured on history and strategy at Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He began developing theories after being inspired by the history of Rome. In 1890 he turned his lecture notes into //The Influence of Sea Power upon History.// His theories were well liked by Presidents McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, and his work led to expansion and reconfiguration of the U.S Navy.

**Position on annexation:** Alfred T. Mahan was for annexation because he was for imperialism.

**List of reasons for interest in topic:** Alfred T. Mahan believed that America’s survival depended upon a strong navy which was only possible if the U.S had possession of islands as naval bases. These naval bases were necessary for ship repair, and would only be reliable if run by America. Mahan believed it was time for Americans to turn their “eyes outward, instead of inward only to seek welfare of the country.” Mahan believed that there would be economic benefits in expansion and imperialism. He thought that annexation would be beneficial to trading in the U.S, and get them up to speed, or even past the success of trade in foreign countries. His book //The Influence of Sea Power upon History// further advocated these ideas.

Theodore Roosevelt President McKinley
 * References: **

"Alfred Thayer Mahan." //Columbia 250//. Web. 27 Mar. 2012. [].
 * Works Cited: **

"A Letter to an Emperor." //Small Planet//. Web. 27 Mar. 2012. [].

"Theodore Roosevelt." //SparkNotes//. SparkNotes. Web. 27 Mar. 2012. [].