About
Henry Clay, born April 12, 1777, in Hanover County, Virginia, and died June 29, 1852, in Washington, D.C., was a major figure in 19th-century American politics. Nicknamed the 'Great Compromiser,' he worked for compromises between North and South, helping to delay the Civil War. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on his first day in the House in 1811, and served as Senator from Kentucky on multiple occasions. As Secretary of State under John Quincy Adams (1825-1829), he negotiated commercial treaties and strengthened ties with Latin American republics. He is also known for his 'American System' of economic development and for running for president three times without success.
Key milestones
- 1811Elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on his first day in the House.
- 1820Helped craft the Missouri Compromise, a major agreement on slavery.
- 1850Played a key role in the passage of the Compromise of 1850, temporarily easing sectional tensions.
Themes
Political compromiseEconomic nationalismSlavery and gradual abolitionUnion and federalismInternational diplomacy
Sources: senate.gov · senate.gov · loc.gov