Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American lawyer and statesman from Kentucky, one of the defining figures of US political history in the early to mid-19th century.

Why was Henry Clay important?

Henry Clay was important for influencing US politics in the decades leading up to the American Civil War; he helped lead the country into the War of 1812, advocated for the 'American System' of internal improvements, and diffused sectional crises by helping pass the Missouri Compromise and Compromise of 1850.

What political party did Henry Clay found?

Henry Clay helped found the National Republican Party as well as the Whig Party, both in opposition to his political rival Andrew Jackson.

Timeline: Henry Clay

Definition

Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American lawyer and statesman, one of the defining political figures of his age. Over the course of his several decades on the stage of national politics, Clay helped lead the United States into the War of 1812 (1812-1815), diffused several sectional crises over slavery, introduced an economic plan known as the 'American System', and founded the Whig Party in opposition to his rival Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). Clay served as the Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and made three unsuccessful bids for the presidency. Known as the 'Great Compromiser' for his roles in the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, Clay is recognized as part of the 'Great Triumvirate' of US Congressmen alongside John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) and Daniel Webster (1782-1852).

More about: Henry Clay

Timeline

12 Apr 1777
Henry Clay is born in Hanover County, Virginia.
Nov 1797
Henry Clay moves out to Lexington, Kentucky to work as a frontier lawyer.
11 Apr 1799
Henry Clay marries Lucretia Hart, daughter of a prominent Kentucky businessman.
1803
Henry Clay is elected to the Kentucky state legislature.
Dec 1806
Henry Clay defends Aaron Burr at trial; Burr's indictment is thrown out by a grand jury.
4 Nov 1811
Clay is elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
24 Dec 1814
The Treaty of Ghent is signed, ending the War of 1812 .
1816 - 1818
Henry Clay issues legislation to fund internal improvement projects like roads and canals, a key facet of his 'American System'.
5 Mar 1820
Henry Clay plays an integral role in the passage of the Missouri Compromise.
4 Mar 1825
After an unprecedented five-way presidential race, John Quincy Adams is inaugurated as president; Clay is chosen as his secretary of state, leading to accusations of a 'corrupt bargain'.
1833
The American Whig Party forms in opposition to Andrew Jackson's presidency.
1844
Henry Clay runs for president for a third time, is defeated by James K. Polk.
23 Feb 1847
Clay's third son, Henry Clay Jr., is killed in action at the Battle of Buena Vista.
29 Jan 1850
Clay proposes the eight resolutions that would serve as the foundation of the Compromise of 1850.
29 Jun 1852
Henry Clay dies of tuberculosis, at the age of 75.

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