While Clay was the primary advocate and architect of the system, it's important to note that:
* It was a collaborative effort: Many other prominent figures of the time, such as John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster, played a role in shaping and promoting the American System.
* It was not a unified plan: It was more of a set of interconnected ideas, rather than a single, detailed blueprint.
The American System aimed to:
* Promote domestic manufacturing: Through tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries.
* Develop infrastructure: By funding internal improvements like roads, canals, and railroads.
* Establish a national bank: To provide a stable currency and regulate the financial system.
It's important to differentiate between the concept of "The American System" and the term "American System" as it may be used in other contexts. For example, "The American System" has also been used to describe other economic policies, like the post-WWII economic consensus.