Alexander Hamilton vs Aaron Burr - Essay Example

This dual occurred on July 11, 1804. Both Hamilton and Burr served as officers in the revolutionary war and then later tuned to politics. Hamilton became the secretary of American treasury during the George Washington administration and Burr became the New York senator and the vice president of America in the Thomas Jefferson administration. Even though the conflicts between them started as early as in the 1790’s, it attained fearful proportions in the early part of the 19 th century. (McNamara) Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr fought for the ticket of Democratic-republican alliance for the President election in 1800.

Both of them got 73 electoral votes each and the fight ended in a tie. Hamilton used this occasion very well and wrote letters and used all his influence with the Federalists to thwart Burr. The voting went on for several days, and after 36 ballots the tie was finally broken. Thomas Jefferson became the President of United States and Aaron Burr was declared as the vice president. It is believed that Alexander Hamilton played a major role in defeating Aaron Burr (Election of 1800 Was Significant and Controversial) In 1804, even though Aaron Burr ran for governor of New York State, he lost the election, due to vicious attacks levelled against him by Hamilton The conflict between these two prominent figures continued at the beginning of the 19 th century also and finally Burr issued a challenge.

Both of them agreed to finish their conflict in a dual fight. They agreed to assemble at a duelling ground on the heights in Weehawken, across the Hudson River from Manhattan, on the morning of July 11, 1804 with their supporters (McNamara). Burr arrived first at the sight as agreed between them and Hamilton arrived after the Burr and his supporters took positions. Both the parties exchanged salutations before the beginning of the fight. They positioned at a distance of ten full paces. They then proceeded to load the pistols in each