Simplify the following text for a Grade 11 native English-speaking person.
Original: Realizing the need for vocal political support in the states , he formed connections with like-minded nationalists and used his network of treasury agents to link together friends with abc parties in the government , especially merchants and bankers , in the new nation 's dozen major cities .
Simplified: He his network of treasury agents to link together friends of the government , especially merchants and bankers , in the new nation 's dozen major cities .