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The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr: An American Tragedy

John Dos Passos

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Aaron Burr, Third Vice President Of The United States The Heartbreak Of Aaron Burr (American Portraits)

The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr (American Portraits)

by H. W. Brands

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	194 pages

Aaron Burr was a brilliant and ambitious man who rose to the heights of American politics. He was the third Vice President of the United States, serving under Thomas Jefferson. He was also a successful lawyer, soldier, and politician.

However, Burr's career was marred by a single tragic event: the duel with Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was a political rival of Burr's, and the two men had a long-standing feud. In 1804, the feud culminated in a duel, in which Hamilton was fatally wounded.

The duel had a profound impact on Burr's life. He was charged with murder, but was acquitted. However, his reputation was ruined, and he was never able to regain his former standing in American society.

The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr is a tragic story of a man who rose to great heights, only to fall to the depths of despair. It is a story of ambition, betrayal, and loss.

The Early Life of Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6, 1756. His father was a Presbyterian minister, and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Burr's parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his uncle, Timothy Edwards.

Burr was a precocious child, and he excelled in his studies. He graduated from Princeton University in 1772, at the age of 16. After graduating from Princeton, Burr studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1774.

Burr's Military Career

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, Burr joined the Continental Army. He served with distinction under George Washington, and he rose to the rank of colonel. Burr was a brave and skilled soldier, and he was highly respected by his fellow officers.

In 1779, Burr was appointed to lead an expedition against the British in Canada. The expedition was a failure, and Burr was captured by the British. He was held as a prisoner of war for several months, but he was eventually released.

Burr's Political Career

After the war, Burr entered politics. He served in the New York State Assembly and the Continental Congress. In 1791, he was elected to the United States Senate. Burr was a skilled politician, and he quickly rose to prominence in the Senate.

In 1800, Burr was elected as Thomas Jefferson's running mate in the presidential election. Jefferson and Burr won the election, and Burr became the third Vice President of the United States.

The Duel with Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was a political rival of Aaron Burr's. Hamilton was a brilliant politician and a gifted orator. He was also a staunch Federalist, while Burr was a Democratic-Republican.

In 1804, the feud between Burr and Hamilton culminated in a duel. The duel was fought on July 11, 1804, at Weehawken, New Jersey. Burr shot and killed Hamilton.

The Later Years of Aaron Burr

After the duel, Burr fled to Europe. He lived in exile for several years, but he eventually returned to the United States. He died in poverty in New York City on September 14, 1836.