In time, this caused Jackson to turn to a group of unofficial advisers. To rid himself of the immediate controversy, Jackson dismissed his entire cabinet in 1831 except for the Postmaster General. These divisive actions resulted in Jackson showing favor only to those who socialized with the Eatons and proved their loyalty to him in other ways. This became known as the “Eaton Affair.”Īt the same time, several of Jackson’s cabinet members, thinking he would only serve one term, were positioning themselves to succeed him as president. Eaton be accepted into Washington’s social circles. Eaton, Jackson was forced to defend his friends, especially since John Eaton had defended Rachel Jackson so vigorously during the 1828 campaign. When the other cabinet members’ wives refused to associate with Mrs.
Just months before Jackson took office his close friend and Secretary of War, John Eaton, married Margaret “Peggy” Timberlake of whom Washington socialites disapproved due to her questionable upbringing and rumors concerning her past.
Unfortunately, the first two years of his term were marred by a social scandal that turned political. Andrew Jackson’s time as president would mark a major historical shift for the United States.
