Mahan's writings had a profound impact on American naval policy. In 1890, he was appointed by President Benjamin Harrison to serve on the Naval War Board, which developed plans for the construction of a new navy. Mahan also served as the president of the Naval War College from 1885 to 1886 and from 1892 to 1893.
Mahan's writings and advocacy helped to bring about a major transformation of the United States Navy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States built a powerful navy that played a key role in the country's rise to global power.
In addition to his work on naval strategy, Mahan also wrote about history, economics, and politics. He was a prolific author, and his works continue to be read and studied by historians and policymakers today.