Why Is Aaron Burr Important

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Aaron Burr is not the most well known of the important people in history, but he was important nonetheless. Aaron Burr was the third vice president of the United States of America, under Thomas Jefferson, both were Republicans. Aaron Burr is often looked down on because of some things he did, and the way he acted. He is seen as being a treasonous killer. He had some good qualities and some terrible ones. Aaron Burr was dignified and fair, but his lasting impact on history was caused by the fact that he was also proud and hot-headed.

In the election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr were tied for the role of the president. For some unknown reason, as Burr was a Republican, the Federalists decided to throw their support behind …show more content…

He showed that quality in the Samuel Chase case. Samuel Chase was a justice on the Supreme Court. On a trial, once, Chase voiced a Federalist opinion. Jefferson thought that the Federalist view may have had some influence in the ruling of the court, but mostly he was curious if he could impeach someone based solely on their opinion. So he impeached Samuel Chase. The chief justice had no desire to lead the trial, so the task was given to Aaron Burr to. Despite being a Republican, and being the vice president to one, he allowed the Federalist’s trial to be fair. Samuel Chase’s lawyer was allowed to make a full case, a convincing case, and the ruling was fair. This shows that Aaron Burr was also a fair man to most, even people of opposing parties. In fact, his fairness was remembered when he was put on trial for treason, showing that these qualities were percieved by some in his time …show more content…

After a long feud with Alexander Hamilton, and Hamilton thwarted Burr’s both attempts at a position in office, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. In some stories, Alexander Hamilton deliberately missed, in others he didn’t fire, and still others he was a bad shot. However, it happened, Burr did not miss. He shot Hamilton and fatally wounded him. When Hamilton died, Burr became wanted for murder. When people mention the name “Aaron Burr” this duel is the one that is most remembered. If Burr had not been so proud and hot-headed, if he had just left it alone, this would not have happened. That is why the most impactful of things that Aaron Burr was caused by his impetuous and arrogant