Henry Clay

The first few Speakers of the House played a mostly symbolic role; they did not have much formal power. That changed with the election of the first strong Speaker of the House, Henry Clay, in 1811.

Clay was elected Speaker during his first term of service in the House. Unlike previous Speakers, who were elected to be neutral, nonpartisan figures, Clay was elected to represent a particular point of view. More specifically, Clay was elected by a group of representatives called the "War Hawks", who advocated a more aggressive foreign policy toward Great Britain. Clay's election as Speaker was one of the factors that led to the War of 1812 with Britain.

Clay is considered the first powerful Speaker because he fought for (and achieved) several changes that increased the power and visibility of the Speaker's office. Clay's actions won him the respect of his party and reelection as Speaker for six nonconsecutive terms--making him the longest-serving Speaker to that point.