How did the actions of henry cabot lodge to move the united states into a position of world power? a as president of the united states, he recognized panamian rebels and obtained control of territory for building the panama canal. b as president of the naval war college, he showed american leaders the importance of obtaining colonies for naval bases, increasing overseas trade and building a canal in central america. c as the secretary of state during the spanish-american war, he persuaded president mckinley to annex territories from spain. d as leader of the majority party in the senate, he persuaded other senators to agree to u. s. acquisition of overseas territories as colonies.