Henry Clay's American System of Economics
- Agriculture and Manufacturing. Clay envisioned a diversified American economy in which agricultural interests and manufacturers would exist side by side.
- Nationalist Appeal. His program had strong nationalist appeal. ...
- Controversy Arises. ...
What did Henry Clay mean by the American system?
Henry Clay : The American System. the policy of promoting industry in the U.S. by adoption of a high protective tariff and of developing internal improvements by the federal government (as advocated by Henry Clay from 1816 to 1828)
What were the main features of Henry Clay's plan for development?
It advocated federally financed internal improvements (primarily roads and canals), a high protective tariff, and cooperation with South American patriots to enhance the American status as a leader in the Western Hemisphere. Clay stated that adoption of his plan would bring the United States "to...
What was Henry Clay's argument for a National Bank?
Clay's idea was that the federal government should implement protective tariffs and internal improvements and a national bank should help develop the nation's economy. Clay's basic argument for the program was that by protecting American manufacturers from foreign competition, ever-increasing internal markets would spur American industries to grow.
What did Henry Clay do in the war of 1812?
Henry Clay. Distinguished senator from Kentucky, who ran for president five times until his death in 1852. He was a strong supporter of the American System, a war hawk for the War of 1812, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and known as "The Great Compromiser." (responsible for the Missouri Compromise).

When did Henry Clay propose the American System?
1824The American System was proposed. Clay first used the term “American System” in a speech he gave in 1824. It was a federal policy based on a market economy. Sections of the country would produce specific commodities which they would sell to other regions.
What was Henry Clay's goal with his idea of the American System?
In the simplest terms, the goal of the American System was to assist the United States in becoming self-sufficient economically, while spurring massive market growth throughout the nation.
What was the American System and who created it?
The American system was a national economic plan put forth by Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky and the Whig party throughout the first half of the 19thcentury. The plan consisted of three major components: Pass high tariffs (taxes) on imports to protect American businesses and to increase revenues.
What was Henry Clay's American System quizlet?
Henry Clay's American system established a protective tariff, rechartering the national bank, and sponsored the development of transportation systems in America. This system is better for the north because the protective tariffs protected US industry from British competition but help the south very little.
What were the 3 main ideas of the American System?
This "System" consisted of three mutually reinforcing parts: a tariff to protect and promote American industry; a national bank to foster commerce; and federal subsidies for roads, canals, and other "internal improvements" to develop profitable markets for agriculture.
Who benefited from the American System?
The Northeast benefited greatly from the American System because industry was beginning to grow in the region and good transportation routes were needed to move products and supplies around.
Was Henry Clay's American System Successful?
Although the American System was never successfully implemented in its entirety, it had great significance in shaping American policy while highlighting sectional differences in the lead-up to the Civil War.
What was the purpose of the American System quizlet?
What was the goal of Henry Clay's American System? Was it successful? The goal of Clay's American System was to better the United States economy and make them more independent. It consisted of three parts, a tariff to promote and protect American Industry, a national bank and the promotion of internal improvements.
What is the American System quizlet?
The American System allowed the United States to become more connected with internal improvements. Canals were created to transport goods from the different regions.
What was a result of Henry Clay's American System quizlet?
What was a result of Henry Clay's American System? A. It strengthened economic ties between the North and the West.
Which was not a goal of Henry Clay's American System?
1:067:42Henry Clay's American System Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe national bank would aid the economies of all parts of the country. And internal transportationMoreThe national bank would aid the economies of all parts of the country. And internal transportation improvements would primarily help the growth of the west.
What is the main reason why Southerners might have supported Henry Clay's American System quizlet?
What is the main reason why southerners might have supported Henry Clay's American System? The American System promised to help their industries obtain raw materials.
Was Henry Clay's American System Successful?
Although the American System was never successfully implemented in its entirety, it had great significance in shaping American policy while highlighting sectional differences in the lead-up to the Civil War.
How did Henry Clay's American System promote nationalism?
Henry Clay endorsed what he called an American System, which included tariff protection for new industries, federal support for internal improvements such as roads and bridges, and renewal of the national bank, ideas not far removed from what Federalists advocated.
What was Henry Clay's system?
Henry Clay and the American System. Following the War of 1812, Henry Clay propounded what became known as the "American System". It advocated federally financed internal improvements (primarily roads and canals), a high protective Tariff, and cooperation with South American patriots to enhance the American status as a leader in ...
What did Clay say about the proposed roads and canals?
Clay stated that adoption of his plan would bring the United States "to that height to which God and nature had destined it.". President Monroe studied the matter carefully and traveled to many locations to learn more about the proposed roads and canals.
Did Monroe support Clay's enthusiasm for Latin American revolutions?
Monroe did not support Clay's enthusiasm for Latin American revolutions, claiming that to endorse them would be to involve the United States against Spain. Clay said that he.
Why did Clay protest the tariff?
Clay protested that the West, which opposed the tariff, should support it since urban factory workers would be consumers of western foods. In Clay's view, the South (which also opposed high tariffs) should support them because of the ready market for cotton in northern mills. This last argument was the weak link.
Who was the first to refer to the American system?
Congressman Henry Clay was the plan's foremost proponent and the first to refer to it as the "American System".
Why did the tariffs remain the same after the nullification crisis?
After the Nullification Crisis in 1833, tariffs remained the same rate until the Civil War. However, the national system of internal improvements was never adequately funded; the failure to do so was due in part to sectional jealousies and constitutional squabbles about such expenditures.
What was the purpose of the American School?
Rooted in the " American School " ideas of Alexander Hamilton, the plan "consisted of three mutually reinforcing parts: a tariff to protect and promote American industry; a national bank to foster commerce ; and federal subsidies for roads, canals, and other ' internal improvements ' to develop profitable markets for agriculture".
What is the monkey system?
This 1831 cartoon ridiculing Clay's American System depicts monkeys, labeled as being different parts of a nation's economy, stealing each other's resources (food) with commentators describing it as either great or a humbug.
What was the most important internal improvement created under the American system?
Among the most important internal improvements created under the American System was the Cumberland Road .
Who opposed the American system?
It was opposed by the Democratic Party of Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan prior to the Civil War, often on the grounds that the points of it were unconstitutional.
What was the American system?
The American System was proposed. Clay first used the term “American System” in a speech he gave in 1824. It was a federal policy based on a market economy. Sections of the country would produce specific commodities which they would sell to other regions.
Why did the American system exist?
The American System. Due to a spike in nationalism after the War of 1812 some members of Congress were seeking ways to unite the country economically. Their intent was to force the U.S. to be more reliant on itself and not on Great Britain. Westerners needed to develop their economy and link it to the North and the South.
Why was the National System of Internal Improvements never adequately funded?
Though some areas did receive financial assistance, in the long run, the national system of internal improvements was never adequately funded; the failure was due in part to sectional jealousies and constitutional concerns about such expenditures.
What are the parts of the lesson "The American System"?
This lesson is broken down into 3 parts; obtaining background knowledge, analyzing primary resources and synthesizing knowledge the American System and how if affected the Connecticut River Valley and Springfield.
Who decides who wins the debate and gains the upper hand in designing the American system?
Judges will decide who wins the debate and gains the upper hand in designing the American System.
Why was the tariff a major cause of the Civil War?
Many historians feel that this event was a main reason for the Civil War – the conflict between state’s rights and the rights of the federal government.
Who was Henry Clay?
Henry Clay : The American System. Distinguished senator from Kentucky, who ran for president five times until his death in 1852. He was a strong supporter of the American System, a war hawk for the War of 1812, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and known as "The Great Compromiser.". (responsible for the Missouri Compromise).
What was the idea behind the protective tariffs?
Protective Tariffs. The notion behind high protective tariffs in the United States was a noble crusade. After the War of 1812, relations between Britain and the United States remained unstable (so much so that a war over the Oregon boundary became a possibility in the 1840s). National Bank.

Overview
Main points
The establishment of a protective tariff, a 20%–25% tax on imported goods, would protect a nation's business from foreign competition. Congress passed a tariff in 1816 which made European goods more expensive and encouraged consumers to buy relatively cheap American-made goods.
The establishment of a national bank would promote a single currency, making trade easier, and …
Annual message of 1815 (Seven Points)
• Funds for national defense
• Frigates for the Navy
• A standing army and federal control of the militia
• Federal aid for building roads and canals
See also
• American School (economics)
• Economic nationalism
• Protectionism
• Tariffs
• Tariffs in United States history
Further reading
• Michael, Diaz, The Promise of American Life (2005 reprint)
• Joseph Dorfman. The Economic Mind in American Civilization, 1606–1865 (1947) 2 vol
• Eckes,Jr. Alfred E. "Opening America's Market—U.S. Foreign Trade Policy Since (1995) University of North Carolina Press
External links
• The American System: Speeches on the Tariff Question and Internal Improvements by Congressman Andrew Stewart