If you’re looking for a simple answer to who served as Andrew Jackson’s vice president, you’re actually going to find two. Politics back in the 1830s wasn't exactly a team sport. It was a blood sport. Jackson, known as "Old Hickory" for his toughness and notoriously short fuse, didn't just have vice presidents; he had a series of complicated, often explosive relationships that changed the course of American history.
First, there was John C. Calhoun. Then, after things blew up—literally and figuratively—came Martin Van Buren.
Honestly, the transition between these two men is one of the messiest chapters in the White House. You’ve got a vice president resigning in a huff, a social scandal involving a cabinet member’s wife, and a near-civil war over taxes. It’s the kind of drama that makes modern cable news look like a Sunday school picnic.
John C. Calhoun: The Vice President Who Quit
John C. Calhoun didn't start as Jackson’s hand-picked partner. In fact, he was already vice president under Jackson’s predecessor and rival, John Quincy Adams. When Jackson swept into office in 1828, Calhoun stayed in the seat. It was a marriage of convenience that went sour almost immediately.
The tension between the two wasn't just about policy; it was deeply personal.
The Petticoat Affair
You might not expect a 19th-century political crisis to revolve around who was invited to tea, but that’s exactly what happened. This was the "Petticoat Affair" (or the Eaton Affair). Jackson’s Secretary of War, John Eaton, married a woman named Peggy O’Neale, whose reputation was... well, let’s just say the other cabinet wives weren't fans.
👉 See also: What Category Was Harvey? The Surprising Truth Behind the Number
Led by Floride Calhoun, the vice president’s wife, the social elite of D.C. snubbed Peggy Eaton. Jackson, whose own late wife Rachel had been the target of similar gossip, was livid. He saw the attacks on Peggy as a direct assault on his authority. Calhoun, however, stood by his wife. This created a rift that no amount of political maneuvering could bridge.
The Nullification Crisis
While the ladies were fighting in the parlors, a much bigger storm was brewing in South Carolina. Calhoun began secretly writing about "nullification"—the idea that a state could simply ignore federal laws it didn't like. Specifically, he hated the high tariffs (taxes on imports) that hurt the Southern economy.
Jackson was a states'-rights guy, but he was a "Union-first" guy above all else.
At a famous dinner in 1830, Jackson stared Calhoun down and toasted: "Our Federal Union: It must be preserved."
Calhoun, trembling with emotion, responded: "The Union: Next to our Liberty, most dear."
✨ Don't miss: When Does Joe Biden's Term End: What Actually Happened
That was basically the end of the road. Calhoun became the first vice president in U.S. history to resign from office on December 28, 1832. He headed back to the Senate to fight for South Carolina, leaving the vice presidency vacant for several months.
Martin Van Buren: The "Little Magician" Steps In
After the Calhoun disaster, Jackson needed someone he could actually trust. Enter Martin Van Buren.
Van Buren was the polar opposite of the fiery Calhoun. He was a master of backroom deals and political strategy, earning him the nickname "The Little Magician." He had been Jackson's Secretary of State and had played his cards perfectly during the Peggy Eaton scandal by staying out of the fray and supporting Jackson.
When Jackson ran for reelection in 1832, Van Buren was his man.
Why the Jackson-Van Buren Duo Worked
- Loyalty: Van Buren knew how to manage Jackson’s temper rather than ignite it.
- The Kitchen Cabinet: He was a core member of Jackson’s informal group of advisors, helping navigate the war against the Second Bank of the United States.
- Succession Planning: Jackson essentially groomed Van Buren to be his successor. It worked—Van Buren won the presidency himself in 1836.
What Most People Get Wrong About Jackson's VPs
A common misconception is that the Vice President back then functioned like a modern "running mate." In reality, the system was still evolving. Calhoun was a political heavyweight in his own right who viewed himself as Jackson's equal—or even his superior in intellect. That’s why the clash was so violent.
🔗 Read more: Fire in Idyllwild California: What Most People Get Wrong
Another mistake is thinking Jackson’s second term was smooth sailing just because Van Buren was there. While they got along, they faced massive economic hurdles. Jackson’s war on the national bank eventually led to a financial crash known as the Panic of 1837, which happened just as Van Buren was taking the big chair.
Basically, Jackson handed his loyal VP a ticking economic time bomb.
Why This History Matters Today
Understanding the vice presidents of Andrew Jackson isn't just about memorizing names for a trivia night. It shows us how fragile the American Union was even thirty years before the Civil War. The arguments Calhoun made about nullification laid the groundwork for the secession of the Southern states in 1861.
It also highlights how personal "optics" and social standing can derail an entire government. If the Calhouns had just been a bit nicer to Peggy Eaton, the political map of the 1830s might have looked completely different.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs
If you want to dig deeper into this era, here’s how to do it effectively:
- Read the "South Carolina Exposition and Protest": This is the document where Calhoun laid out his case for nullification. It’s dense, but it’s the blueprint for the legal arguments used during the Civil War.
- Visit The Hermitage: Jackson’s home in Nashville offers a raw look at his personal life and the contradictions of a man who fought for "the common man" while being a wealthy enslaver.
- Check out the "Eaton Affair" biographies: Look for books that focus on the social dynamics of the 1830s. It’s fascinating to see how "polite society" dictated federal policy.
- Compare the 1824 and 1828 elections: See how the "Corrupt Bargain" of 1824 fueled Jackson's rage and shaped his distrust of the Washington establishment, a sentiment that defined his relationships with his vice presidents.
The story of Andrew Jackson’s vice presidents is really a story of the birth of the modern Democratic Party and the deepening cracks in the American foundation. Whether it was Calhoun’s defiance or Van Buren’s calculated loyalty, these men helped define what the executive branch would become.