Henry Clay
Henry Clay, Sr. (April 12, 1777 – June 29, 1852), was a lawyer, politician
and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate
and in the House of Representatives. He served three different terms as
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and was also
Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829.
Clay was a dominant figure in both the First and Second Party systems.
He was appointed Secretary of State by newly elected President John
Quincy Adams.
He was the foremost proponent of the American System of economics,
which included tariffs to foster industry in the United States, the use of
federal funding to build and maintain infrastructure, and a strong national
bank.
Known as the "Great Compromiser," Clay brokered important
compromises during the Nullification Crisis and on the slavery issue. He
was instrumental in formulating the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the
Compromise of 1850. He was viewed as the primary representative of
Western interests. A plantation owner, Clay held slaves during his lifetime
but freed them in his Will.
Lincoln wholeheartedly supported Clay's economic programs.
and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate
and in the House of Representatives. He served three different terms as
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and was also
Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829.
Clay was a dominant figure in both the First and Second Party systems.
He was appointed Secretary of State by newly elected President John
Quincy Adams.
He was the foremost proponent of the American System of economics,
which included tariffs to foster industry in the United States, the use of
federal funding to build and maintain infrastructure, and a strong national
bank.
Known as the "Great Compromiser," Clay brokered important
compromises during the Nullification Crisis and on the slavery issue. He
was instrumental in formulating the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the
Compromise of 1850. He was viewed as the primary representative of
Western interests. A plantation owner, Clay held slaves during his lifetime
but freed them in his Will.
Lincoln wholeheartedly supported Clay's economic programs.