The Notorious Aaron Burr | BRI’s Homework Help Series

0:11 Greetings. Today we tell the story of one of America’s most notorious villains, Aaron Burr. In 1799, Burr founded the bank of the Manhattan company. If you think if that sounds like a made up front company for a swindler, you’d be right. Burr obtained funding for this project, claiming he was starting a water company for Manhattan.

0:32 So far, so good. However, Burr secretly included banking in the company charter and conveniently forgot about that whole water thing. Once it was approved, his success earned him notoriety, so much so that in 1800, he became the Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson.

0:53 But the Manhattan Company also earned Burr the ire of other politicians and gave him a bad reputation. Even President Jefferson would come to drop Burr from his ballot for reelection in 1804. After Burr was dropped by the President, he decided to run for governorship of New York. One politician who especially took exception to this was Alexander Hamilton.

1:16 Hamilton voiced his displeasure with Burr in letters written to political allies. Hamilton would eventually take his beef with Burr to the press. Hamilton would call Burr an unprincipled and dangerous man. This was like dropping a diss track in those days. Hamilton’s sick burn worked and Burr wasn’t too happy with the Little Lion, as Hamilton was called.

1:36 I like A-Ham as a nickname, but whatever. So the stage was set, and the score between these two raging revolutionaries could only be settled in one way with a duel. Yeah, I know you all get worked up over memoirs nowadays, but our Founding Fathers took loaded pistols into the woods with the potential for bloodshed.

1:57 And bloodshed there was indeed. Alexander Hamilton took a single bullet and would, unfortunately die several days later. Before we move on, for humanity’s sake, under no circumstances shoot your rival’s dead, okay? So not worth it. So how did Burr top slaying, arguably the most decorated of our Founding Fathers?

2:18 Oh, you know, by attempting to secede multiple states from the Union, of course. This man has no chill. He’s cold-blooded. No wonder his last name is Burr. Burr began his plan by holding secret meetings with General James Wilkinson, and together they planned to invade and conquer Spanish territories.

2:40 Burr also met with British Minister Anthony Mary in a plot to separate the Louisiana Territory and Western states from the Union. As slow as travel was in those days, burr sure got around, didn’t he? Burr was assembling an army, all while envisioning himself as the leader of this new country, the United States of Burrmerica.

3:01 Doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? Side note, dividing your country for your own personal gain is not recommended. Cue music. This was Burr’s big moment. It was time for him to unleash his master plan. Our country was going to be in his hands. Or maybe not.

3:23 Remember Burr’s Conspirator? James Wilkinson? He wound up living up to his lousy reputation and ratted out Burr everywhere from New Orleans to Washington, DC. I know that nobody likes a tattle tail, but way to save the day General Snitch. Burr was arrested, and after a brief escape where he fled from the authorities in disguise, was finally in custody.

3:46 Burr was taken to trial for treason, which was presided over by Justice John Marshall. And who was Justice Marshall’s cousin, you asked? None other than President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, still furious with Burr, pushed for a guilty verdict, while Marshall sought to find a specific constitutional instance of treason.

4:09 Marshall eventually claimed he couldn’t find one, and Burr was shockingly and probably found not guilty and set free. You had one job Justice Marshall. But even though Burr was set free, his once promising political career had collapsed. After dodging creditors and going into exile, burr attempted a political comeback to no avail.

4:33 Guess selfish murderers aren’t too popular, huh? He eventually faded into obscurity and passed away in 1836, remembered only for his nefarious actions. Look, I’m not saying don’t have ambition. By all means, you all have it. And it will lead to your success for years to come. Just remember that personal ambitions

4:53 dictate not only your outcome, but the outcome of others as well. Burr started nobly, but eventually became uglier than a powdered wig. That’s why his legacy is that of a tyrant and why Hamilton’s is celebrated with a smash hit musical. By the way, if anyone you have connection for Hamilton tickets, call me.