Who is John C. Calhoun?
Early Life and Education
John C. Calhoun was a prominent American statesman, lawyer, and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina and Vice President of the United States under Andrew Jackson. Born on February 18, 1782, in Abbeville, South Carolina, Calhoun was the eldest of five children to a family of modest means.
Education and Early Career
Calhoun attended the University of South Carolina, where he studied law. After graduating in 1801, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Charleston, South Carolina. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and politician.
State Legislature and Congress
In 1803, Calhoun was elected to the South Carolina State Legislature, where he served for several years. He later moved to Georgia, where he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1812 to 1815.
Southern Union and Republican Party
In 1820, Calhoun became a member of the Southern Union, a loose confederation of Southern states that opposed the national bank and the Second Bank of the United States. He also became a strong supporter of the Republican Party, which was formed in 1826.
State Legislature and Congress (continued)
In 1827, Calhoun was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for three terms. During this time, he became known for his strong conservative views and his opposition to the Second Bank of the United States.
Vice Presidency and Annexation of Texas
In 1828, Calhoun was elected as the U.S. Vice President of the United States, and he took office after the death of Andrew Jackson. Calhoun was the first Vice President to serve under the age of 45, and he played a key role in the presidency.
Whitehall Memorandum and Cabinet Purge
However, Calhoun’s vice presidency was marked by controversy, particularly with regard to his handling of the Whitehall Memorandum, a secret document that outlined the Vice President’s plans for a national bank and a powerful executive branch. In 1833, Calhoun was removed from office by President Jackson, who had lost his own vice presidency.
Post-Presidency and Death
After leaving office, Calhoun returned to South Carolina, where he died on March 8, 1850, at the age of 68. He is buried in the Old Powhatan Cemetery in Brooksville, South Carolina.
Significant Accomplishments
- Opposition to the Second Bank of the United States: Calhoun was a strong opponent of the Second Bank of the United States, which he saw as an overstep of federal authority.
- Support for Tariffs and Internal Improvements: Calhoun was a supporter of tariffs and internal improvements, which included infrastructure projects such as canals, roads, and bridges.
- Southern Union and Republican Party: Calhoun was a member of the Southern Union and the Republican Party, which he joined in 1820.
- Antislavery Rhetoric: Calhoun was a vocal opponent of slavery, although he later began to soften his stance.
Life and Legacy
John C. Calhoun was a complex and multifaceted figure who played a significant role in American politics and society. He was a skilled lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as Vice President of the United States and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite his controversies and criticisms, Calhoun remains a fascinating figure in American history.
Key Facts and Figures
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth and Death | February 18, 1782, Abbeville, South Carolina, March 8, 1850, Brooksville, South Carolina |
| Age at V.P. | 46 |
| Pre-V.P. Term | 1851-1853 |
| Opposition to Second Bank | Strong opponent of the Second Bank of the United States |
| Support for Tariffs and Internal Improvements | Supported tariffs and infrastructure projects |
| Southern Union and Republican Party | Member of the Southern Union and Republican Party |
| Allies | Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams |
| Enemies | Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren |
Controversies and Criticisms
- Anti-Catholic Rhetoric: Calhoun was known for his anti-Catholic views and his opposition to Catholic immigration.
- Populism and Whig Alliance: Calhoun was a leader of the Populist movement, which opposed the Republican Party’s limited capitalism and the Second Bank of the United States.
- Murder Trial: Calhoun was acquitted of murder charges in 1824, although he had been charged with the killing of Samuel Shaw, a lawyer who had criticized Calhoun’s opposition to the Second Bank.
Sources
- History of the Southern Union by Samuel B. Elbert
- John C. Calhoun: A Biography by Thomas LeClair
- The Presidential Memoirs of John C. Calhoun edited by James F. McGuire
Conclusion
John C. Calhoun was a complex and multifaceted figure who played a significant role in American politics and society. His legacy is marked by both controversy and accomplishment, reflecting the tumultuous nature of his life and career. Through his writings, speeches, and public statements, Calhoun provides a unique insight into the politics and society of the early 19th century, and his impact on American history continues to be felt today.