Dueling in Early America: Hamilton, Burr, and Honor Culture with Lindsay Chervinsky

This episode demands satisfaction! Why did Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr meet on the dueling ground—and how common were duels in early America? Historian Lindsay Chervinsky joins Bob Crawford on American History Hotline to explore the surprising history of dueling in the United States. From European traditions to the honor culture of the American South, duels shaped politics, reputation, and even presidential legacies. Learn why Andrew Jackson fought so many duels, how Abraham Lincoln nearly crossed swords, and why Burr’s fatal shot at Hamilton changed his career forever. We also dive into the laws that eventually outlawed dueling, what rap battles and playground fights have in common with “affairs of honor,” and whether challenging someone to a duel today could still land you in jail. We get into all these questions about dueling so grab your second, take 10 paces and hit play.   GUEST: Lindsay Chervinsky, presidential historian and the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution, co-editor of Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture, and the forthcoming book, Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the RepublicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.