summary Henry Clay, former speaker of the House and representative of Kentucky, first proposed the idea of the "American System." The idea behind the American System was to invest federal money into the strengthening of American's infrastructure. The plan was to improve America's farm and factory strength by strengthening the national bank, raising the protective tariff, and spending money on internal improvements. Raising the international tariff was planned to protect the factories in this country making the goods from other countries more expensive, thus lessening the demand for foreign goods.
The federal funding for the American System took place from about 1816 to 1828. The plan was heavily supported by the citizens of America and worked to strengthen the American economy. Despite his well reviewed plan Henry Clay never became president, even after three attempts. |
Nationalism The American System marks a time of nationalism in America. During this time politicians and citizens became serious about improving the nation's economy. The Americans of the time had pride in their country. For this reason they thought that federal money should spent to thrust America into the international superpower it is today. In addition, the American System amplified the power of the Federal government. The American System called for the Federal government to become extremely involved in the nation's economics, a nationalistic carryover that still remains today. A possible reason that the Federal government was able to take such a interactive role in the nation's economics was due to the Era of Good Feelings. This time with lack of political strife, allowed the Democratic Republicans to have such a large participation in economics and infrastructure.
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