How did Alfred Thayer Mahan’s ideas influence naval planning before World War I?

Alfred Thayer Mahan’s theories significantly shaped naval planning in the years preceding World War I by emphasizing the paramount importance of sea power in achieving national supremacy.12

Through his influential work, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783, Mahan argued that control of seaborne commerce and the ability to command the sea were decisive factors in the outcome of wars. His ideas gained widespread international attention, particularly in Great Britain and Germany, where they served as a catalyst for the naval arms race that preceded the conflict.13

Mahan’s doctrine encouraged leaders to prioritize the construction of powerful, steam-propelled fleets. However, his theories were rooted in the historical experience of sailing navies, which led to a strategic focus on dominant naval power that often underplayed the emerging threats posed by new technologies such as submarines, torpedoes, and mines. While his work was instrumental in shaping the era's naval buildup, it faced criticism for failing to fully account for how these modern technological advancements would transform maritime warfare.2