American System (Henry Clay Program)
The American System, originally called "The American Way", was an economic plan that played a prominent role in American policy during the first half of the 19th century. Rooted in the "American School" ideas of Alexander Hamilton, the plan "consisted of three mutually reinforcing parts: a tariff to protect and promote American industry; a national bank to foster commerce; and federal subsidies for roads, canals, and other 'internal improvements' to develop profitable markets for agriculture." Congressman Henry Clay was the plan's foremost proponent and the first to refer to it as the “American System”.
Read more about American System (Henry Clay Program): History, Main Points, Annual Message of 1815 (Seven Points)
Famous quotes containing the words american, system and/or clay:
“We are now in the Me Decade—seeing the upward roll of ... the third great religious wave in American history.”
—Tom Wolfe (b. 1931)
“The intellect is vagabond, and our system of education fosters restlessness. Our minds travel when our bodies are forced to stay at home. We imitate; and what is imitation but the travelling of the mind?”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Was it for this the clay grew tall?
MO what made fatuous sunbeams toil
To break earth’s sleep at all?”
—Wilfred Owen (1893–1918)