Why Henry Clay Supported John Quincy Adams for President
Why did Henry Clay choose to support John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson for President?
Clay believed that Jackson was going to use the Presidency to make himself rich.
Clay believed that Jackson would pass laws making slavery legal in all states.
Clay believed that Jackson as President would result in a civil war.
Clay believed that Jackson did not have the qualifications to be President.
Final answer:
Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams in the election of 1824 because he believed Andrew Jackson lacked the qualifications for presidency and shared similar political principles with Adams on economic development.
Explanation:
Henry Clay chose to support John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson for President due to a combination of shared political principles and his belief that Andrew Jackson did not have the necessary qualifications to be president. After the election of 1824, which was decided by the House of Representatives, Clay's influence as the Speaker of the House was pivotal. He disliked Jackson and instead chose to back Adams, with whom he shared similar views on the government's role in economic growth, such as support for tariffs and internal improvements.
Some accused Clay and Adams of engaging in a "corrupt bargain" due to Clay's rapid appointment as Secretary of State once Adams won the presidency. However, their alignment on various policy stances suggests that Clay's decision was also influenced by their common vision for the country's future, rather than mere political opportunism. Jackson's followers, however, remained suspicious, and the accusation of a corrupt bargain undermined Adams's presidency.