Henry Clay
About Henry Clay
The Great Compromiser and one of the most influential politicians never to become president. Clay ran for president five times and lost each time. He was Speaker of the House, Senator, and Secretary of State. Clay authored the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Compromise Tariff of 1833, and the Compromise of 1850. His American System advocated for infrastructure, a national bank, and protective tariffs. Clay was Abraham Lincolns political idol. He died in 1852, his dream of the presidency unfulfilled. Lincoln said Henry Clay was my beau ideal of a statesman.
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