Alfred T. Mahan (1840-1914) WHO S/HE WAS: Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned naval historian and strategist, shaped the course of modern naval warfare. His influential writings, including “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History,” had a profound impact on navies around the world. WHAT S/HE SAID: Organized force alone enables the quiet and the weak to go about their business and to sleep securely in their beds, safe from the violent without or within. WHY S/HE MATTERED: Alfred Thayer Mahan’s scholarship and advocacy for naval strength, exemplified in his seminal work, played a pivotal role in defining global maritime strategies. His legacy prompts discussions about naval power, geopolitics, and the enduring relevance of his ideas.

José Martí (1853-1895) WHO S/HE WAS: José Martí was a Cuban poet, essayist and journalist who became a symbol for Cuba’s bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century. Born in Havana to Spanish parents, his short life was dedicated to the promotion of liberty, political independence for Cuba and an intellectual independence for all Spanish Americans. Putting his ideology into practice, he died in action in February 1895, during the invasion of Cuba. WHAT S/HE SAID: It is my duty to prevent, through the independence of Cuba, the U.S.A. from spreading over the West Indies and falling with added weight upon other lands of Our America. All I have done up to now and shall do hereafter is to that end…. I know the Monster, because I have lived in its lair—and my weapon is only the slingshot of David. WHY S/HE MATTERED: Through his writings and political

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William McKinley (1843-1901) WHO S/HE WAS: William McKinley was the twenty-fifth President of the United States, and the last veteran of the American Civil War to be elected. By the 1880s, McKinley was a nationally known Republican leader; his signature issue was high tariffs on imports as a formula for prosperity, as typified by his McKinley Tariff of 1890. As the Republican candidate in the 1896 presidential election, he upheld the gold standard, and promoted pluralism among ethnic groups. His campaign introduced new advertising-style campaign techniques that revolutionized campaign practices and beat back the crusading of his arch-rival, William Jennings Bryan. The 1896 election is often considered a realigning election that marked the beginning of the Progressive Era. WHAT S/HE SAID: We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is Manifest Destiny. WHY S/HE MATTERED: McKinley was an ardent expansionist. Under his

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Matthew Calbraith Perry (1794-1858) WHO HE WAS: Matthew Calbraith Perry was a Commodore in the United States Navy who played a pivotal role in opening Japan to the outside world. His negotiation skills and naval presence led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, ending Japan’s isolationist policies. WHAT HE SAID: Reflecting on diplomatic relations with Japan, Perry stated: “We will not recede, and I have no hesitation in saying that we will carry out this policy, and open Japan to commerce.” WHY HE MATTERED: WHY HE MATTERED: Matthew Calbraith Perry’s expedition to Japan marked a turning point in the nation’s history, leading to increased global engagement and the end of centuries of isolation. His legacy underscores the impact of diplomacy and cultural exchange on international relations.

Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911) WHO S/HE WAS: Joseph Pulitzer was a wealthy newspaper publisher known for sensationalist journalism. In 1895, his publication, the _New York World_ introduced the immensely popular comic strip, “Hogan’s Alley” which featured a yellow-dressed character named the “Yellow Kid.” He created the Pulitzer Prize which is a U.S. award for achievements in newspaper journalism, literature and musical composition. WHAT S/HE SAID: The power to mould the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations. WHY S/HE MATTERED: During the 1890s, the rivalry between newspaper owners Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst created a “media war” that helped propel the United States into war with Spain. Their journalism was sensationalized, and sometimes even manufactured, drawing on melodrama, romance, and hyperbole to sell millions of newspapers. This style became known as yellow journalism.

Frederick Remington (1861-1909) WHO S/HE WAS: Frederic Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the Old American West, specifically concentrating on the last quarter of the 19th century American West and images of cowboys, American Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry. WHAT S/HE SAID: Everything is quiet. There is no trouble. There will be no war. I wish to return. WHY S/HE MATTERED: In the days before widespread photography, newspaper and magazine publishers commissioned artists to help illustrate news stories. Remington was among the most notable, plying his trade for publications such as Harper’s Weekly and William Randolph Hearst’s “New York Journal.” Remington was among the many reporters sent to cover the Spanish-American war. In 1897, he arrived in Havana to find there were no battles, no cavalry charges, and no artillery barrages. With no story to cover, he wired Hearst with the message

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