Society and politicsSourced
Social exclusion reached the Cabinet
Between 1829 and 1831, John and Peggy Eaton faced exclusion from Washington social circles. Criticism of their marriage became entangled with political rivalries. President Andrew Jackson defended the couple, and the controversy helped bring about Cabinet resignations and reorganisation.
A dispute about social acceptance reached national personnel decisions.
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Petticoat affair · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-10