The Petticoat Affair, also known as the Eaton Affair, was a political scandal that rocked the United States during President Andrew Jackson’s administration. This controversy, which took place in the late 1820s and early 1830s, was centered around the social ostracism of Margaret “Peggy” O’Neill Eaton, the wife of John Henry Eaton, who was Jackson’s Secretary of War.

The incident is notable not only for its impact on the political landscape of the time but also for how it highlighted the intersection of gender, politics, and society in early 19th-century America.

Background

Margaret O’Neill, known as Peggy, was born into a modest family in Washington, D.C., in 1799. Her father, William O’Neill, owned the Franklin House, a popular hotel and tavern frequented by politicians and military officers.

Growing up in this environment, Peggy became acquainted with many influential men and was known for her beauty and vivacious personality. In 1816, she married John B. Timberlake, a naval officer. However, Timberlake was heavily in debt and struggled with alcoholism. He died in 1828, allegedly by suicide, though some rumors suggested otherwise.

Soon after Timberlake’s death, Peggy married John Eaton, a close friend of Andrew Jackson and a widower. Eaton had known Peggy for many years, and their marriage sparked controversy. The timing of their union—so soon after Timberlake’s death—and rumors about Peggy’s conduct led to widespread gossip and scandal.

The Scandal Unfolds

When Andrew Jackson became president in 1829, he appointed John Eaton as his Secretary of War. However, Eaton’s appointment was met with resistance from Jackson’s cabinet and their wives, particularly Floride Calhoun, the wife of Vice President John C. Calhoun. Floride and other cabinet wives, influenced by prevailing societal norms and rumors about Peggy Eaton’s character, refused to socialize with her. This social ostracism became known as the “Petticoat Affair.”

The affair was exacerbated by Jackson’s staunch defense of Peggy Eaton. Jackson, who had faced similar slander against his own wife, Rachel, believed that Peggy was being unfairly maligned and that the gossip against her was an attack on his administration. He tried to force the cabinet members and their wives to accept Peggy socially, but this only deepened the divide.

Key Figures and Dynamics

1. Andrew Jackson: As President, Jackson’s deep loyalty to his friends and personal experiences with social ostracism led him to strongly support the Eatons. He believed the attacks on Peggy were politically motivated attempts to undermine his administration.
2. John Eaton: As Secretary of War and a close confidant of Jackson, Eaton found himself at the center of the controversy. His marriage to Peggy, coupled with his high-ranking position, made him a focal point of the scandal.
3. Peggy Eaton: The central figure in the controversy, Peggy was criticized for her perceived inappropriate behavior and quick remarriage after her first husband’s death. Her situation highlighted the stringent moral expectations placed on women at the time.
4. Floride Calhoun and the Cabinet Wives: Floride Calhoun led the social ostracism against Peggy Eaton. The wives’ refusal to accept Peggy was not just a personal stance but also reflected broader societal norms and the importance of women’s reputations in maintaining their husbands’ political careers.
5. John C. Calhoun: As Vice President, Calhoun’s role in the affair was significant. His wife’s stance against Peggy contributed to a growing rift between him and Jackson, which would later have political ramifications.

In the end, the Petticoat Affair left a lasting impact on Jackson’s presidency and American politics. It weakened the traditional cabinet system and highlighted the importance of loyalty and personal relationships in Jacksonian politics. Image: Andrew Jackson (1767 – 1845)

Political and Social Impact

The Petticoat Affair had significant political consequences. It led to a breakdown in relations within Jackson’s cabinet, creating factions and tension. The rift between Jackson and Calhoun grew, exacerbated by Calhoun’s stance on states’ rights and the Nullification Crisis. Ultimately, the scandal contributed to Calhoun’s resignation as Vice President.

Moreover, the affair resulted in the resignation of almost all members of Jackson’s cabinet in 1831. This mass resignation was unprecedented and demonstrated the extent to which personal and social issues could impact political life. Jackson’s new cabinet, often referred to as the “Kitchen Cabinet,” consisted of a group of informal advisors who were more aligned with his views and more loyal to him personally.

The scandal also highlighted the role of women in politics, albeit indirectly. The social ostracism of Peggy Eaton illustrated the power and influence of the “petticoat government,” a term used at the time to describe the influence of cabinet wives. It showed how women’s social networks and reputations could affect their husbands’ political careers and decision-making.

The affair demonstrated how personal relationships and societal norms could influence political dynamics and decision-making at the highest levels of government. It also revealed the challenges faced by women like Peggy Eaton, who, despite the constraints of their time, found themselves at the center of national controversies. Image: Peggy Eaton.

Questions and Answers

Who were the main figures involved in the Petticoat Affair?

The main figures included Peggy Eaton, John Eaton, Floride Calhoun, and John C. Calhoun. President Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren were also significantly involved, with Jackson supporting the Eatons and Van Buren benefiting politically from the situation.

What was the primary reason for the ostracism of Peggy Eaton?

Peggy Eaton was ostracized because the other Cabinet wives, led by Floride Calhoun, disapproved of the circumstances surrounding her marriage to John Eaton. They judged her as failing to meet the “moral standards of a Cabinet Wife.”

Image: John Eaton (1790 – 1856)

What impact did the Petticoat Affair have on Andrew Jackson’s administration?

The affair created significant turmoil within Jackson’s administration, leading to the resignation of all but one Cabinet member. It exposed deep social and moral divisions and influenced political dynamics within the government.

How did the Petticoat Affair affect Martin Van Buren’s political career?

Martin Van Buren, who supported Jackson and remained loyal to the Eatons, emerged positively from the scandal. His loyalty strengthened his position within Jackson’s circle, eventually helping him ascend to the presidency.

What were the long-term political repercussions for John C. Calhoun as a result of the Petticoat Affair?

The Petticoat Affair contributed to John C. Calhoun’s shift from a national political figure with presidential aspirations to a sectional leader representing Southern interests. This marked a turning point in his political career.

Image: John Calhoun in 1845

How did the Petticoat Affair shape the political landscape of the era?

The scandal highlighted the intersection of personal and political life, exposing the influence of societal norms and moral judgments on politics. It also demonstrated the power of social networks and personal loyalty within the government, ultimately affecting the trajectories of key political figures.