Question

the excerpt below is from alfred mahan’s the influence of sea power upon history. \whether they will or no, americans must begin to look outward. the growing production of the country demands it. an increasing volume of public sentiment demands it. the position of the united states, between the two old worlds and the two great oceans, makes the same claim, which will soon be strengthened by the creation of the new link joining the atlantic and pacific.\ based on the excerpt, what is the main argument that the author is making about u.s. foreign policy? the prioritization of tariffs over naval expansion will enhance u.s. global standing. the construction of the panama canal will diminish u.s. naval strength and influence. the avoidance of involvement in international affairs will protect u.s economic interests. the growth of american production demands the development of naval power to secure its global position

Explanation:

The excerpt from Alfred Mahan's work emphasizes that U.S. production growth demands outward focus and naval power to secure global position. Analyzing options:

• Option 1 (prioritizing tariffs over naval expansion) is incorrect as the excerpt focuses on naval/global position, not tariffs.
• Option 2 (Panama Canal diminishing naval strength) is wrong; the Canal is presented as strengthening (via linking oceans).
• Option 3 (avoiding international affairs) contradicts the excerpt’s call to “look outward.”
• Option 4 aligns: the excerpt states production growth “demands” naval power to secure global position.

Answer:

The growth of American production demands the development of naval power to secure its global position