Question

"They [Jackson and his supporters] see nothing wrong in the rule that to the victor belong the spoils of the enemy."

-William Learned Marcy of the U.S. Senate

What did Marcy mean by the "spoils of the enemy"?

Answer 1

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/32/messages/793.html

Answer 2

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

In this context, when Marcy referred to the "spoils of the enemy," he was alluding to the practice of political patronage or the distribution of government jobs and benefits to loyal supporters. Marcy's statement suggests that Jackson and his supporters believed it was acceptable for the winning political party to reward their own followers with governmental positions and other perks. This practice was rooted in the idea that power should be consolidated and maintained by the victorious party, and they were entitled to enjoy the benefits and privileges that came with it.