The American System was an economic program created to unify the nation. It was created by the Whig party and politicians such as: Henry Clay, John. C Calhoun, and John Quincy Adams. A small portion of the American System was created by congress as well. Henry Clay played a large role in central politics for over forty years. He was loved by many, and could be equally hated as well. After winning the war of 1812 the British started to send large amounts of expensive goods to America. The mill owners did not want to sell to the British, instead they wanted to sell them to the Americans. America found it hard to compete with British prices. This is when Henry Clay had an idea on how he wanted to help the American businesses. The American System