Henry Clay and African Colonization: Character, Moderate Rhetoric, and the Failure to Motivate

• In Event: Historical U.S. Discourses on Race and Racism

Abstract

Juxtaposing Henry Clay's rhetorical development prior to the creation of the American Colonization Society with his introductory remarks at the ACS meeting, this essay argues that Clay's support of colonization was marred by moderation that was not typical of his speaking at the time. Furthermore, this essay suggests that the subject of colonization changed Clay's approach to the common good, turning more toward moderation and moving away from more powerful appeals to union.

Author

• Bjorn Stillion Southard, Marian College