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From that first year in the Senate, Clay was a strong advocate of the American System, which included internal improvements (such as roads, canals and bridges) at federal expense and a high protective tariff. The purpose of this program was to increase American productivity by helping each section of the nation and tying the different sections together economically.
Clay returned to Congress, having been elected to the House of Representatives in 1810. He had the singular honor of being elected as Speaker of the House his first day in Congress. Clay made an excellent presiding officer, liked and respected by friends and foes alike. New Hampshire’s John Adams Harper said of Speaker Clay, “Our Speaker is a fine man, gives universal satisfaction, and not even Randolph himself has yet attempted to embarrass him.” Clay remained in Washington for most of the rest of his life.
In the next article, we will examine Clay’s emergence as a nationalist and War Hawk, and his lifelong opposition to Andrew Jackson. We will also review his great service to his country as a peace negotiator and as The Great Compromiser, averting civil war on at least one occasion, as well as his lifelong pursuit of the Presidency.
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