What if Henry Clay would have won the U.S. Presidency in 1844?

Great question! Well, on the one hand, Clay, the Great Compromiser, probably would have delayed the Civil War - but might not have averted it altogether. read more

Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky was a candidate for President of the United States in 1824, 1832 and 1844. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, Clay was once a kingmaker. In 1824, he finished fourth in a race in which no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. read more

The United States presidential election of 1844 was the 15th quadrennial presidential election, held from November 1, to December 4, 1844. Democrat James K. Polk defeated Whig Henry Clay in a close contest that turned on the controversial issues of slavery and the annexation of the Republic of Texas. read more