What was proposed in clays american system

It was a federal policy based on a market economy. Sections of the country would produce specific commodities which they would sell to other regions. The West opposed the tariff, though Clay argued they should support it, as urban factory workers were potential consumers of western agricultural products.

In the end, the West supported the plan, creating increased sectionalism between the regions. Only portions of the American System were actually put in place, particularly the tariffs, which were opposed by the South.

John Calhoun opposed the tariffs, believing it put a financial strain on the South while the North and West profited. Though some areas did receive financial assistance, in the long run, the national system of internal improvements was never adequately funded; the failure was due in part to sectional jealousies and constitutional concerns about such expenditures. In this lesson, students will examine speeches and cartoons relating to the American system.

Though their exploration, they will answer some of the following questions:. This lesson is broken down into 3 parts; obtaining background knowledge, analyzing primary resources and synthesizing knowledge the American System and how if affected the Connecticut River Valley and Springfield. Focus questions:. Clay argued that the West, which opposed the tariff, should support it since urban factory workers would be consumers of western foods.

This last argument was the weak link. The South was never really on board with the American System and had access to plenty of markets for its cotton exports. Portions of the American System were enacted by Congress. The Second Bank of the United States was rechartered in for 20 years. The Second Bank of the United States was chartered in Some infrastructure improvements were made, but not to the extent that Clay had hoped. Congress failed to approve adequate funding for the projects.

Overall, however, Clay was proud of the plan and deemed it successful. Support for a high tariff to protect American industries and generate revenue for the federal government. Maintenance of high public land prices to generate federal revenue. Preservation of the Bank of the United States to stabilize the currency and rein in risky state and local banks. The American System included financial support for roads, canals, bridges.

Revenue — Money would be raised by selling public land and imposing tariffs. When he advocated for his American System, Clay focused on the need to build growing home markets for American goods. He contended that blocking cheap imported goods would ultimately benefit all Americans. Henry Clay endorsed what he called an American System, which included tariff protection for new industries, federal support for internal improvements such as roads and bridges, and renewal of the national bank, ideas not far removed from what Federalists advocated.

Since Southerners had to pay tariff, they wanted to make sure that when the tariff was used, they profit from it as well.