Title: “The Constitution & Clay: The Great Compromiser and his view of the Constitution”
Abstract: Henry Clay was a leading nineteenth century American statesman and according to Frederick Douglass, “the most popular man in America.” Best known as “The Great Compromiser” for his role in mediating sectional conflicts, Clay served in a variety of national positions for nearly five decades. His views on the U.S. Constitution rested on the belief that while the document itself did not change, the interpretation of it did when it was necessary to utilize the powers vested hitherto to promote the greater good for all Americans. Clay’s rivalry with Andrew Jackson was one of epic proportions that mostly stemmed from divergent interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. This lecture will focus on Clay’s personal beliefs concerning the U.S. Constitution and how they were applied to his political career.
Personal History: Luke Bendick is an American History Instructor at Hopkinsville Community College. A lifelong educator, prior to joining the HCC faculty Luke taught at Glenville State University and at various institutions in the Houston, Texas area. His current research focuses on nineteenth-century antebellum American politics with an emphasis on the intersections of gender and masculinity.
Location: Anderson Room, Emerging Technologies Building