The American System

Today's lesson focuses on Henry Clay's "American System".  With the growing population in the West, it became apparent that it would benefit the nation to improve transportation.  In Clay's plan, the U.S. government would finance the building of roads, bridges, canals, etc. by charging tariffs on foreign manufactured products. 

Students will read pages 368-373 in the textbook, then complete "1, 2, and 3 of the Section review on page 373.  If you are at home, without a textbook, you should find and identify:
Henry Clay
Missouri Compromise
American System
Cumberland Road
Erie Canal
John Quincy Adams


When finished, answer the following questions:
1.  How did new transportation systems affect the expansion and development of the nation?
2.  What caused the controversy surrounding the 1824 presidential election?
This assignment is due tomorrow at the beginning of the period.