Still, to win support for his plan, Hamilton had to make a political deal with several congressmen. They would support his financial plan. But he had to use his influence to get the capital of the United States moved.

At that time, the capital was in the north, in New York City. Two congressmen from Virginia wanted it in the south near their homes along the Potomac River. Several congressmen from Pennsylvania agreed. But they said the capital must first be moved to the city of Philadelphia in their state. And it must remain there for ten years.

Congress accepted this plan by a close vote. President Washington signed it into law.

Hamilton was still a young man in his thirties. But he had already succeeded in remaking the country’s economic policies. And he had established the country’s permanent capital in Washington, DC, the District of Columbia. He had also made some enemies. His next plan would create even more. That will be our story next week.

I'm Steve Ember, inviting you to join us next time for The Making of a Nation. American history in VOA Special English.