Early Life and Education
Henry Clay was born on April 12, 1777, in Hanover County, Virginia. His father, also named Henry Clay, was a Baptist minister and farmer. His mother, Elizabeth Hudson Clay, died when he was only five years old.
Clay received a basic education at local schools. In 1792, he moved to Richmond and studied law in the office of George Wythe. Wythe was a renowned lawyer and jurist who had also taught Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall.
Career in Law and Politics
Clay was admitted to the bar in 1797 and began practicing law in Kentucky. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and orator. In 1803, he was elected to the Kentucky legislature.
Clay’s political career was marked by his support for a strong national government. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1811 to 1814 and from 1815 to 1825. He was Speaker of the House from 1811 to 1814 and from 1815 to 1820.
The War of 1812
Clay was a strong supporter of the War of 1812. He believed that the United States had to defend its honor and interests against Great Britain. He served as a militia officer during the war and was wounded at the Battle of New Orleans.
After the war, Clay played a leading role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the conflict. He also helped to establish the Second Bank of the United States and the American System of tariffs and internal improvements.
The Missouri Compromise
One of Clay’s most important achievements was his role in the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The Missouri Compromise was a series of laws that resolved the issue of slavery in the western territories.
The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also drew a line along the 36°30′ parallel, north of which slavery was to be prohibited.
The Missouri Compromise temporarily resolved the issue of slavery, but it also laid the groundwork for the Civil War.
The Presidency
Clay was a candidate for president four times, but he was never elected. He lost to John Quincy Adams in 1824, to Andrew Jackson in 1828, to William Henry Harrison in 1840, and to James K. Polk in 1844.
Despite his failures, Clay was one of the most important political figures of his time. He was known as the “Great Compromiser” because of his ability to find solutions to contentious issues.
Legacy
Henry Clay died on June 29, 1852, in Washington, D.C. He is buried in the Congressional Cemetery.
Clay’s legacy is complex and controversial. He was a brilliant politician and orator, but he also owned slaves and supported the Compromise of 1850, which extended slavery into the western territories.
Despite his flaws, Clay is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history. He was a strong advocate for a strong national government and played a leading role in the development of the American System.
Henry Clay’s Impact on APUSH Period 5
Henry Clay played a major role in several key events during APUSH Period 5, including:
- The War of 1812
- The Missouri Compromise
- The Compromise of 1850
Clay’s actions had a significant impact on the course of American history. He helped to preserve the union during a time of great sectional tension.
Key Concepts
- The American System: A system of economic policies that promoted a strong national government, a protective tariff, and internal improvements.
- The Missouri Compromise: A series of laws that resolved the issue of slavery in the western territories.
- The Compromise of 1850: A series of laws that resolved the issue of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico.
Tables
Table 1: Henry Clay’s Political Career
| Office | Years |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Legislature | 1803-1806 |
| U.S. House of Representatives | 1811-1814, 1815-1825 |
| Speaker of the House | 1811-1814, 1815-1820 |
| Secretary of State | 1825-1829 |
| U.S. Senator | 1831-1842, 1849-1852 |
Table 2: The Missouri Compromise
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Admitted Missouri as a slave state | |
| Admitted Maine as a free state | |
| Drew a line along the 36°30′ parallel, north of which slavery was prohibited |
Table 3: The Compromise of 1850
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Admitted California as a free state | |
| Created the Utah and New Mexico territories, with the issue of slavery to be decided by popular sovereignty | |
| Abolished the slave trade in the District of Columbia | |
| Strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act |
Table 4: Henry Clay’s Impact on APUSH Period 5
| Event | Clay’s Role |
|---|---|
| War of 1812 | Supported the war and played a leading role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Ghent |
| Missouri Compromise | Helped to negotiate the compromise |
| Compromise of 1850 | Supported the compromise |
Tips and Tricks
- To better understand Henry Clay’s role in APUSH Period 5, read his speeches and writings.
- Visit the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation website for more information on Clay’s life and legacy.
- Participate in online discussions about Clay’s impact on American history.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not oversimplify Clay’s legacy. He was a complex and controversial figure.
- Do not underestimate Clay’s importance in American history. He was one of the most important political figures of his time.
- Do not confuse Clay with Henry Clay Frick, the industrialist and art collector.
FAQs
1. What was Henry Clay’s greatest accomplishment?
A. His role in the Missouri Compromise
2. How many times did Henry Clay run for president?
A. Four
3. What was the American System?
A. A system of economic policies that promoted a strong national government, a protective tariff, and internal improvements
4. What was the significance of the Compromise of 1850?
A. It resolved the issue of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico
5. What was Henry Clay’s political party?
A. National Republican Party
6. What was Henry Clay’s nickname?
A. The Great Compromiser
7. Where is Henry Clay buried?
A. Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
8. What is Henry Clay’s legacy?
A. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history. He was a strong advocate for a strong national government and played a leading role in the development of the American System.