Who is John C. Calhoun?
John Charles Calhoun was a Southern statesman and politician who played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Civil War and the Presidency of the United States. Born on November 5, 1782, in Abbeville, South Carolina, Calhoun was a member of the Southern aristocracy and the second cousin of President Andrew Jackson.
Early Life and Education
Calhoun was educated at the West Point Military Academy, where he graduated very poorly, killing 84 of the 155 students in the Academy’s second class of 1817. Despite this, Calhoun went on to become a prominent military officer, serving in the Mexican-American War and later as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.
Politics and Presidency
Calhoun’s entry into politics was as a Senator from South Carolina, where he served five terms, from 1819 to 1825. During his time in the Senate, he was known for his strong Southern traditions and his opposition to the Federalist Party. In 1825, Calhoun lost his seat in the Senate, but he went on to become the Secretary of War under President John Quincy Adams.
Calhoun was appointed as the Supreme Judge of the United States in 1821 and Chief Justice of the United States in 1832. During his tenure as Chief Justice, Calhoun was known for his reformist ideas, which included abolishing the death penalty and establishing a national bank. However, his support for the rise of the Democratic Party was criticized by many, particularly by the Abolitionists.
John C. Calhoun and the South Carolina Constitutional Convention****
In 1832, Calhoun’s South Carolina Constitutional Convention drafted a Jim Crow constitution, which disfranchised African Americans and protected the rights of whites. The convention was heavily influenced by Calhoun’s opposition to the abolition of slavery.
Supreme Court
Calhoun’s most notable decision was Calhoun vs. Ames (1825), which established the principle of immunity for Supreme Court justices from removal by Congress. However, Calhoun’s support for the slave power led to his impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1834.
Final Years and Death
In 1834, Calhoun was stricken with crooked gallstones and died on February 11, 1846, at the age of 63. His legacy as a Slaveholder and a Supporter of states’ rights has been widely criticized, and his Views on Slavery remain a topic of controversy to this day.
Causes of Censure
Calhoun’s Immigration restrictions and human rights abuses were criticized by many, including Abraham Lincoln, who later became President.
- Abolitionists: Men like William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Tubman opposed Calhoun’s policies, arguing that they perpetuated soul cruelty and deprived African Americans of their human rights.
- Constitutionalists: Many Americans supported Calhoun’s Constitutionalism, which emphasized the importance of a strong federal government and the supremacy of the Constitution over individual rights.
Legacy
John C. Calhoun’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he was a strong supporter of states’ rights and regional unity, his views on Slavery and Immigration have been widely criticized. Despite this, Calhoun’s influence on American politics cannot be denied, and his ideas continue to shape contemporary debates on issues like racial inequality and bipartisan politics.
Reclaiming the Past
The legacy of John C. Calhoun remains a subject of debate, with some scholars arguing that he was a moral figure who served the interests of whites. Others argue that he was a progressive leader who worked to advance the interests of other groups.
Regardless of one’s perspective, it is clear that John C. Calhoun was a complex figure who played a significant role in shaping American history.