What was the Peggy Eaton controversy about?

The Peggy Eaton controversy arose in the 1830s during Andrew Jackson's presidency, centered on the social ostracism of Peggy Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton. Many members of the Washington elite, including the wives of other cabinet members, refused to associate with her due to rumors about her past and her marriage to Eaton. Jackson defended Peggy, seeing parallels to his own wife's treatment, which created significant political rifts within his administration, notably leading to the resignation of several cabinet members. The controversy highlighted issues of gender, social class, and loyalty within the political landscape of the time.