Aaron Burr Essay - 1004 Words

AARON BURR nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Although Aaron Burr, b. Newark, N.J., Feb. 6, 1756, fought in the American Revolution and became an important political figure, serving a term (1801-05) as vice-president of the United States, he is best remembered today for having killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The son of a president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and the grandson of another (Jonathan Edwards), Burr could trace his ancestry back to the earliest Puritans. He entered Princeton at the age of 13, graduated at 16, and went on to become a Revolutionary War hero, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel at the age of 21. In July 1782 he married Theodosia Bartow Prevost, the widow of a former British†¦show more content†¦Frustrated by Jeffersons national popularity, and dropped from the Republican ticket for 1804, Burr entered the 1804 gubernatorial race in New York. Some northern Federalists who were plotting secession called on Burr to support them, but his response was masterfully enigmatic. An old enemy, Alexander Hamilton, did everything he could to defeat Burr. Some of Hamiltons derogatory comments, personal in nature, appeared in print, and Burr, who lost the election, demanded a retraction, which Hamilton refused to make. The duel that followed at Weehawken, N.J., on July 11, 1804, resulted in Hamiltons death. Charged with murder, Burr fled to Philadelphia to escape arrest. The Conspiracy In his final eight months as vice-president, Burrs conduct was exemplary. He presided over the impeachment trial of Samuel Chase with dignity, ability, and impartiality, and delivered a farewell address that favorably impressed the Senate. But his insatiable dream of personal glory led him to undertake a western scheme that ended in his arrest and trial for treason. Precisely what Burr planned will probably never be known. Most likely he envisioned the creation of an empire stretching from the Ohio River to Mexico over which he would preside, and he intended to take wha tever steps were necessary to achieve it. quot;The gods invite us to glory and fortune,quot; Burr wrote to his coconspirator, Gen. James Wilkinson;Show MoreRelatedAaron Burrs Disgrace in the Burr Conspiracy Essay786 Words   |  4 PagesAaron Burr had been Vice President during the ï ¬ rst administration of Thomas Jefferson. In the summer of 1804, Burr killed his rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel, an event that effectively ended Burr’s career in national politics. Three years later, he was on trial, charged with the capital crime of treason by the government headed by Jefferson, his former partner in political ofï ¬ ce. Presiding over the trial was John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States. Finally, there was James WilkinsonRead MoreEssay on The Duel Between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton1636 Words   |  7 PagesIn the battle between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton was one of the most famous duels in the early 19th century. Both men were very significant political leaders of the United States. The men had clashes throughout the 1790’s which lead to a duel between the two and Alexander Hamilton lost his life. Aaron Burr was born in New Jersey in 1756. He was involved in many political events though out his life. He was the second president of Princeton, and he was the grandson of Jonathon EdwardsRead MoreAaron Burr Jr. Was An American Politician1596 Words   |  7 PagesAaron Burr Jr. was an American politician, on the Democratic-Republican Party. He was the third Vice President of the United States, serving during President Thomas Jefferson s first term. Nearing the end of his term as Vice President, Burr ran for the governorship of New York, but lost. Blaming Hamilton and eager to defend his honor, he challenged Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton accepted, and the face-off took place; it ended when Burr shot Hamilton to death. Burr fled to New York and New JerseyRead MoreAnalysis Of Aaron Burr s The Duel With Alexander Hamilton 1697 Words   |  7 Pages Events That Defined a Nation One of the most detrimental events in Aaron Burr’s career was â€Å"The Duel† with Alexander Hamilton. Not only was dueling illegal in 1804 in New Jersey, which is where the duel occurred, but Aaron Burr was the current Vice President of the United States of America taking part in an event that led to the death of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton himself was one of the most powerful figures in the Federalist Party and was so well known within the party that his advocates believedRead MoreEssay about Aaron Burr: One of the Most Notorious Traitors in History1049 Words   |  5 PagesThis is proven by the life of Aaron Burr junior. Aaron Burr is known in history as one of the most notorious traitors in history (PBS). What if it was not Burr’s fault? What if Aaron Burr’s mind was unable to comprehend right from wrong because of his unhealthy childhood? All pieces in the timeline leading up to the infamous duel between Hamilton and Burr, are plausible contributo rs in the murder of Alexander Hamilton, and the attempt of treason. ​As an infant, Aaron Burr came close to death twice fromRead MoreA Comparison Of Alexander Hamilton And Aaron Burr1156 Words   |  5 Pagespassion for a specific subject in order to be motivated to combine his intellect and creativity into a creation. To demonstrate, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were praised for their talent and success. On the other hand, there was a distinct difference between the two men as one was merely talented in his craft and the other was a genius. Aaron Burr was a celebrated lawyer and a favored politician but did not create anything groundbreaking in his time (Chernow 677). On the other hand, Alexander HamiltonRead MoreWho Is The Real Hero?710 Words   |  3 Pagesnot for many others. If asked to name a hero, the ten-dollar founding father without a father wouldn t be the first person to come in someone’s mind. Or even Aaron Burr, the guy that shot and killed the founding father. Many people would classify Alexander Hamilton as a true American hero, while only a few others might classify Aaron Burr as the real hero due to the way they are perceived to the public. Alexander Hamilton, the young, scrappy, and hungry ambitious immigrant who became known asRead MoreThe Presidential Election of 1800857 Words   |  3 PagesVirginia, died on July 4, 1826. The representative on the ballot for the Federalists was John Adams, whom was born on October 19, 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts, and coincidentally died on July 4, 1826, which was the same death time of Jefferson. Aaron Burr whom was Jefferson’s running mate, and Adams running mate was Charles C. Pickney. Two extremely powerful political parties backed different candidates for president, this created grounds for a very intense and uphill battle between two tightly woundRead MoreA Magnificent Catastrophe By Edward J. Larson1145 Words   |  5 Pagessolidified the two party system since 1800, so that is a reason why this book is meaning detect. During the critical 1800 election, the author has written regarding Founding Fathers of America who are Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamil ton, and Aaron Burr. They have contributed in the country’s principal documents. Primarily the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were influenced by philosophers Hobbes and Locke. Even though election could be pursued in harsh adherence to law and principleRead MoreChapter One : The Duel And The Dinner1336 Words   |  6 Pagesthrough. Chapter One: The Duel was a well-known duel in American history. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. July 11, 1804 is the exact date when the duel took place. It was presumed to have taken place in Weehawken, New Jersey; when in actuality, the duel really took place on a ledge above the water near Weehawken. This isolated spot was foolproof for illegal acts like this. Hamilton ends up dying because of Burr. Burr shot him from a distance. The bullet hit a rib and then ricocheted off into