Charismatic and ambitious, the “Western Star” of Kentucky, Henry Clay, was only thirty-four when he entered the House of Representatives in 1811. The first generation of leaders born after the Declaration of Independence, the War Hawks quickly made Clay Speaker of the House, where he led a campaign against Great Britain for what he saw as encroachments on America’s rights.
“War” wrote Clay, “calamitous as it generally is, seems to me the only alternative worthy of our Country. I should blush to call myself an American were any other adopted.” By significantly expanding the Speaker’s powers and thus increasing his influence in Congress, Clay was able to drive the nation toward war.
Ironically, by the end of the war, Clay served as a peace commissioner and signed the Treaty of Ghent. He went on to become a legend, earning the title “the Great Compromiser” in the Senate, where he served until his death.