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Politics and Public Service The U.S. House of Representatives elected Clay in 1811. Clay was a outstanding leader and was chosen speaker of the House . Clay was reelected to the House and to the office of speaker. He became head of a group called "War Hawks." The group helps influence Congress to declare war against the United Kingdom in 1812.
The Great Compromise The slavery argument had become worse over time. Many northerners opposed slavery. They said it was a terrible evil. They did not permit slavery in their states. But in the South, slaves worked on huge farms called plantations. Slave owners said they could not run their plantations without slaves. Southerners did not care about northern views--as long as their states had a fair say in Congress. But over time, more free territories became states. With more free states in the Union, the slave states' votes meant less. The South felt threatened. Talk of civil war became stronger and angrier. Neither side would compromise. “There is one man, and only one man, who can save the Union. That man is HenryClay," said John Randolph. The outspoken senator was actually Clay's political enemy. Yet he said, "I know [Clay] has the power. I believe he will be found to have the patriotism and firmness equal to the occasion." He was right. On January 29, 1850, HenryClay addressed Congress. He had talked to people on all sides of the slavery issue. He suggested a bill with an eight-point plan to avoid civil war. It was voted down time and again. Clay did not give up. Though he was old and ill, he worked to keep the plan alive. He felt his own life meant nothing. He needed to save his country from war. Finally, all but one of the eight points became law. These laws became known as The Great Compromise.
Clay’s view on slaves In 1820-21 it was Clay above all who engineered the Missouri Compromise, quieting the harsh controversy that had erupted by maintaining an equal balance between free and slave states. Although he himself was a slave owner, Clay's views on slavery--as on most other issues--were moderate. He was thus able to command the support of men fearful of extremism
Clay’s early life Clay was born on April 12, 1777, in Hanover Co., Va., to a middle-class family. After studying for the bar with the eminent George Wythe, Clay, at the age of 20, moved to Lexington, Ky., where he developed a thriving practice. He was blessed with a quick mind, a flair for oratory, and an ability to charm both sexes with his easy, attractive manner. That he loved to drink and gamble was no drawback in an age that admired both vices. Clay, ambitious for worldly success, married into a wealthy and socially prominent family and soon gained entry into Kentucky's most influential circles. While still in his 20s, he was elected to the state legislature, in which he served for six years, until 1809.
