answersLogoWhite

0

There are many factors leading to the duel. There had been a bitter and long-standing political and personal hostility between Hamilton and Burr. Burr was what we call a "politician" today -- a person who will say and do whatever's likely to get him elected. Back then the aristocracy felt it was expected that leaders try to hold their belief of what was best for the fledgling nation above personal gain. Also, Burr was a member of the other political party and had published articles very critical of John Adams who was of the same party as Hamilton. Hamilton despised Burr and would say so publicly. Burr challenged the duel because he thought it would reestablish is failing political career. Hamilton did not want the fight but could not escape it without losing his honor, and hence his political career. There was an unspoken arrangement at the time that once each person had stood to the duel each could fire into the air and neither would be harmed. Hamilton did but Burr shot him dead.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?