Who is the author of "The Influence of Sea Power upon History" and what did it emphasize?

The correct choice identifies Alfred Thayer Mahan as the author of "The Influence of Sea Power upon History" and highlights the emphasis on the necessity of a strong navy. Mahan's work, published in 1890, was instrumental in shaping naval strategy and had a profound influence on the naval policies of major world powers, particularly the United States and Great Britain.

In his book, Mahan argued that control of the sea was essential for national greatness and that a formidable navy was crucial to securing both trade routes and colonial interests. He posited that naval power was a key component of national security, especially during times when nations were expanding their influence overseas. The principles laid out in his work helped to promote the idea that a strong maritime presence was necessary for enforcing foreign policy and protecting national interests, therefore catalyzing a shift in how countries approached military and naval strategy.

Understanding Mahan's arguments about the importance of sea power provides context for many imperialistic actions taken by the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the U.S. began to assert itself as a global power with an emphasis on expanding its naval capabilities.