Henry Clay Accomplishments

“It has been my invariable rule to do all for the Union, if any man wants the key of my heart, let him take the key of the Union, and that is the key to my heart. . . .” -Henry Clay. An American politician by the name of Henry Clay was an active member to Congress for the majority of his life. Many historical events such as The Missouri Compromise of 1820, Tariff of 1816, the American System, and The Compromise of 1850 were constructed and resolved with Henry Clay as the primary source. His intentions for the many years of his political years were not for the popularity of his success, but more for his love of the Union. His many authentic accomplishments led to his nickname as “The Great Compromiser.” Henry Clay was the most influential

When the presidential election of 1832 came around, he decided to run for the third time. There was only one difference about this election. Instead of running as a Republican, Henry Clay ran in behalf of the Whig Party this party was developed as the opposition of the Jacksonians. Four US presidents were elected through this party, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Millard Fillmore. Unfortunately, Henry Clay’s name did not make that list because he was brutally defeated by Andrew Jackson. Jackson portrayed himself as the “common man” president and connected with the electors. This was a pretty messy election because Jackson and Clay have been enemies for years. During the election of 1828, Andrew Jackson accuses Henry Clay of killing his wife. John Quincey Adams was running against Jackson and major accusations were being made about both running mates. Andrew Jackson claimed that Adams used tax payer money to buy gambling tools. This was never proven, but it did make American citizens view him differently. Henry Clay was a supporter of Adams and helped him strike back at Jackson. They accused Jackson’s wife to being married to two men at the same time. This brought a great amount of stress to her and she ended up passing away. Jackson never forgave Clay for “killing his wife”. Although many people believe, now, that Clay would have been the better option for president, the current citizens were blinded by the idea of a “common