An exploration of the Peggy Eaton affair, its gendered implications, and its role in the Jackson administration’s dynamics.
- Peggy Eaton – wife of Secretary of War John Eaton – was ostracization by Washington’s elite social circle
- The social ostracism of Peggy was led by the wives of prominent politicians
- The event profoundly affected the dynamics within Jackson’s administration
The Peggy Eaton Affair
The Peggy Eaton affair, also known as the Petticoat Affair, was a social and political scandal that unfolded during the presidency of Andrew Jackson in the late 1820s and early 1830s. At its core, the controversy centred on Margaret “Peggy” Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton, and her ostracization by Washington’s elite social circle, led by the wives of prominent politicians. The affair not only revealed deep-seated gender biases of the era but also profoundly affected the dynamics within Jackson’s administration and contributed to lasting political realignments.
Scandal In The Jacksonian Era
Peggy Eaton was the daughter of a tavern keeper, an upbringing that made her an outsider among Washington’s elite. Her first husband, a naval officer named John Timberlake, died under circumstances that some speculated were linked to rumours of her affair with John Eaton. When Peggy married Eaton shortly after Timberlake’s death, society, and especially the wives of prominent politicians, deemed her behaviour scandalous and morally improper. Floride Calhoun, the wife of Vice President John C. Calhoun, led the social ostracism of Peggy, refusing to associate with her and pressuring others to do the same. This social snubbing spilt over into political matters, creating tensions within Jackson’s Cabinet.
President Jackson, whose late wife Rachel had faced harsh public scrutiny during his campaign, strongly sympathised with Peggy Eaton. He viewed the attacks on her as unjust and reflective of the kind of moralistic persecution his own wife had endured. Jackson became fiercely protective of Peggy and demanded that members of his administration and their wives include her in social functions. This demand, however, deepened divisions within the Cabinet, as many—including Calhoun—refused to comply.
Who was Peggy Eaton?
The controversy over Peggy Eaton certainly did cause Jackson’s Cabinet to collapse. At the heart of the matter were two things: presidential politics and social convention.
Consequences of the Peggy Eaton Affair
The Peggy Eaton affair had significant consequences for the Jackson administration. It exacerbated the growing rift between Jackson and Calhoun, whose relationship was already strained due to differences over issues such as states’ rights and the Nullification Crisis. The scandal contributed to the eventual resignation of nearly all Cabinet members in 1831, prompting Jackson to reorganise his administration. This reshuffling allowed Jackson to consolidate power around his loyal supporters, such as Martin Van Buren, who had been one of the few figures to support Peggy Eaton during the controversy. Van Buren’s loyalty strengthened his standing with Jackson and paved the way for his eventual rise to the vice presidency and presidency.
The Peggy Eaton affair also highlighted the gendered norms and expectations of the time. Peggy’s treatment underscored the rigid moral standards applied to women, particularly those in public life, and the limited social mobility afforded to women from lower-class backgrounds. The scandal revealed how gender dynamics and societal prejudices could influence political alliances and decision-making in profound ways.
In the broader context, the affair reflected the intersection of personal and political life in the Jacksonian era. It showcased Jackson’s deeply personal approach to governance, as he often allowed loyalty and personal grievances to shape his political priorities. The Petticoat Affair also marked an early instance of how social controversies could disrupt political processes, foreshadowing the increasing entanglement of personal lives with public reputations in American politics.
Ultimately, the Peggy Eaton affair was more than a social scandal; it was a microcosm of the evolving political and cultural landscape of the United States in the early 19th century. It exposed the fragility of Jackson’s coalition, the persistent influence of gender norms, and the ways in which personal disputes could ripple through the highest levels of government.
Common FAQs
What happened to Peggy Eaton?
Peggy Eaton lived out her last years in the home of her grandson, impoverished, but still spirited when she died in 1879. The “Petticoat Affair” had determined a President of the United States.
Who was Peggy Eaton married to?
The “Petticoats”, socially ostracized Secretary of War John Eaton and his wife, Peggy Eaton, over disapproval of the circumstances surrounding the Eatons’ marriage and what they deemed her failure to meet the “moral standards of a Cabinet Wife”.
What was the Petticoat Affair?
The Petticoat Affair was a political scandal that took place between 1829 and 1831. It involved members of President Andrew Jackson’s cabinet and their wives, who ostracized Secretary of War John Eaton and his wife Peggy. The scandal damaged Jackson’s presidency and led to the resignation of many of his cabinet members.
