Denmark Vesey Character Analysis

In the 19th century, America was undergoing significant social reform, resulting in many different definitions of American freedom. To Henry Clay, a famous senator, American freedom meant liberty for all people, including slaves, and he also cared deeply about American unity. These beliefs led Clay to condemn slavery, and to also be a strong supporter of the Whig party, as unity was a very important value in their ideology. Another notable figure in the 19th century, Denmark Vesey was also in favor of abolishing slavery, but fought for his definition of American freedom in a very different way. Comparing these characters from the 19th century depicts the numerous interpretations of American freedom as well as the various ways to defend those
Ever since he was a child, Henry Clay displayed a proficiency for law, and accordingly attempted to fight for his beliefs of American freedom through politics and the government. These tactics can be seen in Clay’s fight to abolish slavery, as he helped establish the American Colonization Society to fight for an end to slavery, and even becomes its first president. One can see similar tactics in Clay’s defending of his other beliefs. For example, in an effort to keep the Union united, Clay used his competence for law and politics to broker many important compromises between conflicting parties, and he even earned the nickname the “Great Pacificator”. Additionally, Clay even founded a political party, the Whigs, which had similar beliefs to his own, in order to defend his beliefs and goals. Clay also strongly believed in America having economic freedom and security by being self-sufficient, and accordingly used his tactics of politically fighting for his beliefs by passing many tariffs and increasing funding in infrastructure to bolster the American System, an economic plan centered around American industry. While Henry Clay used politics and the government to defend his beliefs, Denmark Vesey resorted to violence and uprisings to achieve his freedom goals. After purchasing his freedom, Vesey began to plan a revolt with a few other slaves. As a preacher, Vesey was able to recruit enough slaves for the revolt to be effective, and news of the plan was said to be spread among thousands of blacks in the area. Unfortunately for him, Vesey was arrested before he was able to launch the revolt, resulting in his execution, but his failed uprising nonetheless depicts the contrasting tactics between Henry Clay and Denmark Vesey in attempting to achieve their freedom