Describe the rationale for expansion put forward by Alfred Thayer Maha

Describe the rationale for expansion put forward by Alfred Thayer Mahan and the advocates of a “large policy” for America in the 1890s.

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
Mahan and other advocates of the “large policy” believed that the United States was obligated to assume the responsibilities of a great power. This required keeping open the sea lanes to protect American commerce, and this required a powerful navy. A powerful navy needed coaling stations, and this required control of strategic ports and islands in the Pacific and Caribbean, as well as an isthmian canal.