USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1798, during the debate over a new constitution for Kentucky, Clay argued for gradually abolishing slavery in the state by freeing children of slaves born after a certain date. His proposed constitutional provision failed, and he temporarily lost popularity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Henry Clay was “The Great Compromiser.” As a statesman for the Union, his skills of negotiation and compromise proved invaluable in helping to hold the country together for the first half of the 19th century. His compromises quelled regionalism and balanced states’ rights and national interests.

Detailed explanation-3: -He was a nationalist, a supporter of roads and industries, and had a hand in pretty much every matter that affected life and politics in America. But there was another, more conflicted side to the Kentucky statesman. Henry Clay condemned slavery–but owned slaves.

Detailed explanation-4: -The primary issue of the campaign was slavery and the annexation of Texas, which Polk strongly favored. Clay opposed annexation, but his inconsistent answers on the question hurt him in the general election. Polk won the electoral vote 170 to 105, but beat Clay in the popular vote by a mere 38, 000 votes.