Henry Clay's American System
By: Joyce Choe
What is the American System?
The American system was a plan created by Henry Clay to unify and strengthen the nation by creating a new form of Federalism that included support for high tariffs, maintenance of high public land prices, preservation of the Bank of United States, and the development of a system of internal improvements.
American System Topics
National Bank
The national bank would help control any inflation that occurred and lend money to build for developing industries.
Protective Tariffs
The protective tariffs would tax European imports and protect the local industry from foreign industries. This helped America increase the money income and provided roads and canals.
Internal Improvements
The internal improvements would help create solid transportation for America and make a trading across the country much easier.
Supported the American System
These are 3 main supporters who supported the American System. They enjoyed the idea of a new form of Federalism which included high tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.
Against the American System
Andrew Jackson is against the American System because he believed it was too unconstitutional and a serious threat.