1. John C. Calhoun as a Case Study for Antebellum U.S. History
Son of the South
John C. Calhoun as a Case Study for Antebellum U.S. History

2. Purpose and Objective Students appreciate a good character in history.
John C. Calhoun is the near-absolute perfect character for the Antebellum period.
Hook students on the character of Calhoun by introducing Calhoun.
Calhoun has a deep footprint on major historical events of the Antebellum period.
Connect Calhoun as a tragic character with strengths and weaknesses to the brewing sectional conflict in the United States.

3. Standards
SS.8.A.1.5 Identify, within both primary and secondary sources, the author, audience, format, and purpose of significant historical documents.
SS.8.A.1.7 View historic events through the eyes of those who were there as shown in their art, writings, music, and artifacts.
SS.8.A.4.1 Examine the causes, course, and consequences of United States westward expansion and its growing diplomatic assertiveness.
SS.8.A.4.2 Describe the debate surrounding the spread of slavery into western territories and Florida.
SS.8.A.4.3 Examine the experiences and perspectives of significant individuals and groups during this era of American History.
SS.8.A.4.5 Explain the causes, course, and consequences of the 19th century transportation revolution on the growth of the nation’s economy.
SS.8.A.4.8 Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments of this era in American History.
SS. 8.A.5.1 Explain the causes, course, and consequence of the Civil War.
SS.8.A.5.2 Analyze the role of slavery in the development of sectional conflict.
SS.912.A.1.2 Utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to identify author, historical significance, audience, and authenticity to understand a historical period.
SS.912.A.1.6 Use case studies to explore social, political, legal, and economic relationships in history.
SS.912.A.2.1 Review the causes and consequences of the Civil War.

4. The Famous Calhoun
Circa 1849

5. Background Born in 1782 in Abbeville, South Carolina
Labored on the family farm
Scotch-Irish descent
Part of Ulster Scot migration
Attended Yale and Litchfield Law School
Southern families of means sent sons to Northern schools given lack of promotion of education in the South
Litchfield - first law school in U.S.
Aaron Burr an alum

6. War of War Hawk
Elected to House in 1810 to South Carolina’s 6th District as Democratic-Republican
Excellent orator and organizer despite lack of charm
Became a War Hawk leader along with Henry Clay
Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee
Defend American honor against British
New England objected given pro-British views

7. Post-War of 1812 Nationalism
Along with Henry Clay, Calhoun pursued nationalist policies
Development of infrastructure
Bonus Bill of vetoed
Public works and transportation
Protective tariffs
Develop domestic industries
Hurts agricultural sector
National bank
Missouri Compromise of 1820
Proposed by Henry Clay
Calhoun supported as a nationalist solution to avoid sectional conflict of slavery
South objected given limitation of slavery

8. Secretary of War (1817-1825) During the Era of Good Feelings
Demanded extensive reorganization and development of nation’s military while supporting nationalist policies
Developed bureaucracies in War Department
Bureau of Indian Affairs (1824)
Seminole Wars
Requested censure of Andrew Jackson due to invasion of Florida in 1818

9. Election of 1824
Almost ran as President but settled for Vice Presidency
Election of 1824
4 candidates: Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, William Crawford, Andrew Jackson
Corrupt Bargain
Split D-R into Jacksonian Democrats and National Republicans
South Carolina unanimously voted Jackson
Calhoun won VP by landslide as Adams running mate
Disillusioned by Corrupt Bargain
Turned away from National Republican platform
Ran and won as Jackson running mate in Election of 1828

10. Petticoat Affair/Peggy Eaton Affair
Peggy Eaton married John Henry Eaton, a close friend of Jackson
Eaton’s personal influence and “quick” marriage led to Cabinet wives and officials to denounce her including Calhoun
Resulting scandal led to Cabinet resignations
Development of Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet
Eventual rise of Martin van Buren

11. Nullification Crisis Tariff of 1828 aka Tariff of Abominations
Protective tariff of historically high rates
Britain cut off cotton imports; South bought from North at higher prices
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
Based on Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Nullification: state vetoes federal law as unconstitutional
Concurrent majority
Jefferson Day Dinner (1830)
Jackson: “Our Union: It must be preserved.”
Calhoun: “The Union, next to our liberty, most dear. May we all remember that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights of the States…”
Nullifier Party
Force Bill
South Carolina legislature nullified Tariff of 1828
Congress authorized Jackson’s military use to enforce federal laws
South Carolina legislature nullified Force Bill
Calhoun first VP to resign office
Tariff of 1833
Compromise by Henry Clay to reduce rates over the next decade to appease Jackson and Calhoun

12. U.S. Senator ( )
Merged Nullifier Party with Whigs in opposition to Jackson Democrats
Issue of slavery and states’ rights drove Calhoun to become a Democrat
“Slavery A Positive Good” Speech

13. Secretary of State ( )
Appointed by John Tyler, a pro-Democratic Whig
Oregon Dispute
Avoided war with Britain by acknowledging 49th parallel
Annexation of Texas (1845)
Opportunity to expand Slave Power
No treaty, but proposed joint resolution
Led to war with Mexico

14. Conflict Over Slavery
Opposed war with Mexico as threat to states’ rights and slavery
Viewed party systems as a threat to sovereignty and welfare of states
Rejected Compromise of 1850
Endorsed reinforced Fugitive Slave Law

15. The End Calhoun died March 31, 1850
His legacy continued on with the escalating sectional strife between free and slave states