What was the purpose of Henry Clay's American System? to lower the price of foreign goods imported from overseas to protect American goods from competition with foreign goods to protect Southern goods from competition with Northern goods to raise the price of American goods exported overseas

The purpose of Henry Clay's American System was primarily **to protect American goods from competition with foreign goods**. Here’s a breakdown of the components of the American System: 1. **Tariffs**: Clay advocated for protective tariffs to raise the price of imported goods, making American-made products more competitive in the market. This was aimed at fostering domestic industry. 2. **Internal Improvements**: The American System also included federal funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads and canals, to facilitate trade and transportation across the country. 3. **National Bank**: Establishing a national bank was part of the system to provide a stable currency and credit, which would help in economic development. Overall, the American System aimed to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency in the United States by protecting American industries from foreign competition.