Station #4: Development of Infrastructure
Henry Clay's American System (1820s-1830s)
Protective Tariff + National Bank + Improved Infrastructure + Westward Growth =Prosperous United States
"The centerpiece of Clay’s [policy] was an integrated economic program called ‘the American System.’ This envisioned a protective tariff, a national bank jointly owned by private stockholders and the federal government, and federal subsidies for transportation projects (‘internal improvements’). Public lands in the West were to be sold rather than given away to homesteaders (settlers) so the proceeds could be used for education and internal improvements. The program was intended to promote economic development and diversification, reduce dependence on imports, and tie together the different sections of the country.
The American System became the chief plank in the platform of Clay’s Whig party, which was formed in opposition to the Democratic party of Andrew Jackson, creating ‘the second party system.’ Whigs were found in all parts of the country, but especially among the prosperous classes, in areas wanting government economic aid, and among Protestant religious bodies that hoped a strong government would further their agenda of moral reform."
(History.com)
Protective Tariff + National Bank + Improved Infrastructure + Westward Growth =Prosperous United States
"The centerpiece of Clay’s [policy] was an integrated economic program called ‘the American System.’ This envisioned a protective tariff, a national bank jointly owned by private stockholders and the federal government, and federal subsidies for transportation projects (‘internal improvements’). Public lands in the West were to be sold rather than given away to homesteaders (settlers) so the proceeds could be used for education and internal improvements. The program was intended to promote economic development and diversification, reduce dependence on imports, and tie together the different sections of the country.
The American System became the chief plank in the platform of Clay’s Whig party, which was formed in opposition to the Democratic party of Andrew Jackson, creating ‘the second party system.’ Whigs were found in all parts of the country, but especially among the prosperous classes, in areas wanting government economic aid, and among Protestant religious bodies that hoped a strong government would further their agenda of moral reform."
(History.com)