Few economic philosophies have shaped America’s prosperity as profoundly as Henry Clay’s American System—a blueprint for national strength and self-sufficiency. Developed in the early 19th century, Clay’s vision centered on protective tariffs, a strong national banking system, infrastructure development, and the responsible use of natural resources.
These pillars propelled the United States into economic dominance. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, Cold War geopolitics led to a significant departure from these principles. Today, President Donald Trump’s economic policies signal a revival of the American System, aiming to restore national industry, energy independence, and economic resilience.
One of the key components of Clay’s American System was the use of tariffs to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Clay and his…
