Aaron Burr Essay Research Paper Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr Essay, Research Paper

Aaron Burr Jr., the son of Ester Edwards Burr and Reverend Mr. Aaron Burr was born on February 6, 1756 in Newark, New Jersey. He was also the grandson of the famous theologian, Jonathan Edwards. His father earned his living as a pastor at The Newark Presbyterian Congregation and the president of The College of New Jersey, which later became the Ivy League school, Princeton University. Upon graduating from Princeton University at the age of 16, Burr Jr. became a lawyer, although his studies were limited to theology. Following this, he delivered an oration entitled Building Castles in the Air. These castles, it has been said, were lying in the West waiting for Burr.s competence.

After retiring from the Continental Army as a field officer, Burr practiced law. He was then appointed as the attorney general of New York in 1789 and served as a United States senator from 1791 to 1797. But this soon ended as he joined the Thomas Jefferson group led by James Monroe in the Senate and James Madison in the House of Representatives. He served under Thomas Jefferson as the third Vice President in United States. history.

As the Election of 1800 drew near, Burr took the allure to set up an impeccable ticket. It would place both him and Jefferson on the same Ballot so it would be a sure win. He would be the first politician that took advantage of party organization. Thus, as the votes were counted, it would be that the Republicans prevailed. During the election, Burr favored funds to end Indian raids. Burr fought hard to win the election and was sure he was going to win. In fact, it was a tie between him and his running mate, Thomas Jefferson. The electoral votes enumerated as 73 for both Burr and Jefferson. However, Jefferson went on to win the election by decision of the House of Representatives.

Much to do with crushing Burr.s dreams of serving in the highest office, was Alexander Hamilton. He introduced personalities and most importantly, slandered Burr to do everything in his strength to knock him out. Burr attempted to reassemble his political career but this only brought an altercation with Hamilton.

Increased animosity between the two men only became improving. In 1804, after his term of vice presidency, Burr ran for the governorship of New York State. In turn, Burr was defeated once again at political office. Burr resented the fact that Hamilton was lying about him and simply looking to make an enemy.

Burr then challenged Hamilton to a dual under the Palisades at Weehawken, New Jersey in 1804. The gun Hamilton used was fired but missed Burr. Historians are not sure what really happened on that mid-summer day. It has been proposed that Hamilton tried to make an edge by using a gun with a hair-like trigger. If this is so, then he was either not ready, was nervous, missed on purpose, or was merely a bad shot. Burr took advantage, shot and killed Hamilton. Not noticeable to Burr at first, this action at length, ended his political career. It has been said that this is the most famous duel in history. Certainly it was the end of Hamilton.s career, but who was to say it was the end of Burr.s.

Despite all the rules of the dueling code had been recognized, news of Hamilton.s death spread like wildfire and hatred towards Burr quickly brewed. Eventually, indictments were brought against Burr for murder. He was a wanted man in both New Jersey and New York. However, to his good fortune, he never had to face a jury. As if nothing happened, Burr returned to Washington to fulfill the rest of his term.

Although this was the official end of Burr.s political career, it was just a beginning in his eyes. Primarily because of the murder indictments, Burr decided to flee westward. In attempts to rally back his political career, he strived to set up an independent republic east of the Mississippi River. He was about to enter the anticipated war with Spain by invading Mexico and making himself that country.s king. He schemed to raise an army along the Tombigee River and take over Florida. .Burr seldom joined groups, but groups often joined him..(Nagil, Great Lives from History 360)

His plans included receiving support from Great Britain in case of a war between Spain and the United States. The blueprints also included raising an army that would emancipate Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Western territories of Spanish authority. Notwithstanding, his plot to create a republic did not seize here. The plan extended to taking over all of Mexico, hence, freeing it from Spanish dominion.

Burr recruited several men to join and support(financially) his army. At this time, he ran into a man by the name of John Wilkinson. Failing as both a tobacco farmer and land speculator after retirement from the army, he was appointed as the General of Burr.s army.

As the .Washington of the West,. Wilkinson attempted to muster thousands of soldiers to travel down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. This would be the foundation for Burr.s supplies and recruitment. The scheme was to move west and south until all land was snatched from the Spanish so Burr could have himself a new nation. And .Mexico was ripe for a revolt, and the revolt needs a leader..(Chidsy, The Great Conspiracy 46)

This plan, however, had a blemish. The only way it would work was if the United States and Spain went to war.