There is a theory about placing the capital in center of the state or country; what is that theory?

Question

I took a geography class a few years back. There was a theory or postulation about the economic benefits of placing the capital in the center of the country or state. I cannot remember what that theory was. Any help?

Answer 1

Its an old military theory.

Advancing armies would have to transverse the most distance to get to a capital.  Very important in warfare before aircraft.

Answer 2

I don't know that theory, but I do know why capitals are placed in the centers of states and nations. There are 2 main reasons I know. First, it provides equal access to the governed. This was more important when travel was more difficult, though.

Second, it makes it easier to defend the seat of government because any invading army would have to make it all the way into the territory to take the capital.

The biggest city is usually on the coast, as a port tends to make it easier to engage in trade leads more people to live there. Thus, the biggest city in a territory is usually not the capital.

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the US because it was the middle of the original 13 states. If we were to pick a capital today, it would probably be St. Louis or something else in that region.

Answer 3

the only one i know is by placing the capital on or near the center of the state/country each citizen would have equal access to it.