Question

read the following excerpt.
colonies attached to the mother - country afford, therefore, the surest means of supporting abroad the sea power of a country
—alfred thayer mahan, the influence of sea power upon history 1660 - 1783
what is mahan suggesting that would inspire government leaders like roosevelt to expand overseas?
a. possession of colonies around the world is important to ensure a country’s prosperity
b. colonial powers must find a mutually beneficial compromise with their colonies
c. the power dynamic must be made clear in order to maintain order in a colony
d. colonial powers must adapt to the resources available to them in a particular colony

Explanation:

Mahan's quote emphasizes that colonies support a country's sea power. Option A states that possessing colonies is important for a country's prosperity, which aligns with the idea that colonies help support sea power (a key aspect of national prosperity for leaders like Roosevelt interested in expansion). Options B, C, and D focus on colonial power - colony relationships or adaptation, which are not addressed in the quote. The quote is about colonies' role in supporting sea power, not about compromises, power dynamics, or adaptation.

Answer:

A. Possession of colonies around the world is important to ensure a country’s prosperity