Henry Clay Dbq

John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, and Henry Clay were all considered political giants who dominated the Pre-Civil War era. They were strong legislators and politicians, all taking a position in the House of Representatives and US Senate at some point in their lives. Each one was also Secretary of State and a great public speaker.
Henry Clay was never elected president, but he still managed to have a tremendous impact over the country. He represented Kentucky in the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Clay was known for his oratorical skills and also for his gambling nature, which he developed in card games in Kentucky.” (Robert McNamara, The Great Triumvirate, http://history1800s.about.com/od/1800sglossary/g/The-Great-Triumvirate-definition.htm) His background as a successful lawyer and his gambling nature made him a great compromiser. “Clay was often hailed for his role in trying to find compromises on the issue of slavery.” (Robert McNamara, Henry Clay, http://history1800s.about.com/od/leaders/a/Henry-Clay-bio.htm) He helped with the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. The Missouri Compromise was the first settlement that tried to combat the disagreement on the issue of slavery. The Compromise of 1850 helped stall a civil war in the US and held the Union together. Clay also
Webster lost the Whig Party nomination to Harrison, but was appointed Secretary of State when Harrison became President. Millard Fillmore also appointed Webster as Secretary of State when he assumed the presidency after Zachary Taylor died. He took part in many fierce debates focusing on sectional disputes. Webster was known as the “greatest orator of his