Question

To gain Thomas Jefferson's support for the assumption of state debts by the national government, Alexander Hamilton agreed to

A modify his financial program.
B the placement of the capital of the United States on the Potomac River.
C support Jefferson's election in 1800.
D help negotiate a peace treaty with England.
E withdraw his support for excise taxes on goods made in the United States.

Answer 1

Alexander Hamilton agreed to the placement of the U.S. capital on the Potomac River to gain Thomas Jefferson's support for the assumption of state debts, leading to the Compromise of 1790. (Option B)

Step-by-step explanation:

To gain Thomas Jefferson's support for the assumption of state debts by the national government, Alexander Hamilton agreed to the placement of the capital of the United States on the Potomac River. This compromise, known as the Compromise of 1790, was a pivotal moment in American history where two of the foremost Founding Fathers came to an agreement. Southern states like Virginia had largely paid off their debts and thus were not in favor of Hamilton's plan to have the national government assume all state debts, as it meant their citizens would be taxed to pay off the debts of other states. In order to secure Jefferson and Madison's support, Hamilton conceded to move the nation's capital from New York City to a southern location, thus satisfying both the desire for a more geographically central capital and allaying the fears of the southern legislators regarding northern financial power.