Dueling Documents Student Inquiry Hamilton Vs

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Dueling Documents Student Inquiry Hamilton vs. Burr Grades 6-8

"Politicans Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton duel, 1804." Gale Biography Online Collection, Gale, 2011. Gale In Context: Biography, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC4205129869/GPS?u=albrjh&sid=GPS&xid=b8b9cbca. Accessed 6 July 2020.

Inquiry Question:

Why might there be different accounts of the same event?

1 Summer Learning Inquiry: Dueling Documents In this inquiry, you will decide who fired the first shot in the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The famous duel between Hamilton and Burr has all the elements of a great history mystery. By the end of this project, you will be able to defend your position on “who fired the first shot?”

An inquiry gives you the opportunity to learn about something new, ask questions, make a decision, and take action. The focus of Dueling Documents is to discuss whether “first hand” accounts of an event can be different.

Pace your work so you stay excited and engaged. You may do it all at once, or you can spread it out over several days.

During this project, you will answer compelling questions, complete a variety of evidence-based tasks, examine firsthand accounts and images and make your decision.

If you find this topic interesting, you may want to explore the resources at the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s website. The resources are free and require adult registration. (https://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/hamilton-education-program-0)

th The Granger Collection: halftone print. 19 Century. Hand colored at a later date. "The Burr-Hamilton Duel. This print depicts the common account of the moment Vice President Aaron..." Dictionary of American History, edited by Stanley I. Kutler, 3rd ed., vol. 3, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2003. Gale In Context: High School, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/ PC3401887423/GPS?u=albrjh&sid=GPS&xid=f7e8f77c. Accessed 6 July 2020.

2 Summer Learning

Writing an Argument

By the end of this project, you will finish the story of the duel by using the evidence to make your argument and answer the question – who fired the first shot? Taking Action

You will take informed action by creating a short public service announcement (PSA) that answers the compelling question – why might there be different accounts of the same event? Supporting Question 1: Why is “Setting the Stage” Important? Background Information

Over 200 years ago, a tragic event occurred. The event involved two men who served in the War for Independence, were lawyers, and held various state and federal offices after the war. In order to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic event, you will interpret a timeline to assist you in thinking chronologically.

Read the Timeline (Source A) on page 4, and then respond to the questions using the space provided.

Preview Questions:

● Why is “setting the stage” important? Explain your reasoning. ● How would you describe the relationship between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton? ● By 1804, what do you think would be Burr’s point of view toward Hamilton? ● By 1804, what do you think would be Hamilton’s point of view toward Burr?

3 Summer Learning Source A: Timeline Read through the timeline that appears below, and then answer the questions that bollow.

1789 Aaron Burr accepts a position as Attorney General for New York after supporting Alexander Hamilton’s candidate. Hamilton questions Burr’s principles. (Ellis 40)

1791 President George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton to be Treasurer of the United States. Aaron Burr defeats Hamilton’s wealthy father-in-law for a U.S. Senate seat from New York. Burr opposed Hamilton’s economic plan as a Senator. (Ellis 40-41)

1792 Alexander Hamilton urges people not to vote for Aaron Burr when he runs for the Office of Vice President. Burr lost. (Ellis 41)

1794 Alexander Hamilton blocks Aaron Burr’s nomination as American minister to France. (Ellis 41)

1800 Aaron Burr published a document written by Alexander Hamilton that is highly critical of his fellow Federalist, President John Adams. The document was never intended for public viewing and causes Hamilton a great deal of embarrassment.

The Presidential election of 1800 ends in a tie between two Republicans—Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Federalist Alexander Hamilton convinces his fellow Federalists to support Republican Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson defeats Burr. (Ellis 41)

1804 Alexander Hamilton urges people not to vote for Aaron Burr when he runs for governor of New York. Burr loses. (Ellis 41)

Ellis, J. J. (2000). Founding Brothers: The revolutionary generation (1st ed.). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Summer Learning

Supporting Question 1: Why is “Setting the Stage” Important? Why is “setting the stage” important? Explain your reasoning.

How would you describe the relationship between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton?

By 1804, what do you think would be Burr’s point of view toward Hamilton?

By 1804, what do you think would be Hamilton’s point of view toward Burr?

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Supporting Question 1 continued: Why is “Setting the Stage” Important?

Now that you have an idea about the relationship between Hamilton and Burr, you are going to read a story, Source B: A Duel to the Death, on page 6, where the following words will be featured and may help in your understanding of setting the stage: morning, rowed, vice president, treasurer, duel, despicable, honor.

Before reading the story, use the space below to predict what you think the story is going to be about.

Read Source B: A Duel to the Death on page 7 Using the space provided, answer the questions.

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Setting the Stage: Who fired the first shot?

Based on the story Source B: A Duel to the Death, how might we find out the answer to the question?

Why is setting the stage important when attempting to solve a history mystery?

On a separate sheet of paper, draw a sketch of the setting, include as many details from the story and any background information from the Timeline. (Source A).

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Supporting Question 2: Who Fired the First Shot? th Dueling was not uncommon at the turn of the 19 century. Even though it was illegal, it was rarely punished. Dueling was actually viewed as somewhat acceptable in resolving th “affairs of honor.” The practice died out by the end of the 19 century. Read Source B: A Duel to the Death for events prior to the duel. Compare the two eyewitness accounts from Source C: Statement from Burr’s Second and Source D: Statement from Hamilton’s Second. Your task is to figure out what happened in the time period between the duelists receiving instructions to “present” and the discharge of the weapons. Read the two sources to document evidence to answer the question: who fired the first shot?

Use “Dueling Documents” Part 1 and Part 2 to record your evidence.

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Summer Learning Source B: A Duel to the Death

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death – July 11, 1804 On the morning of July 11, 1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr raised their dueling pistols and took aim. Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury, and Vice President Burr were long-standing political rivals and personal enemies. Burr might have been the president instead of vice president, had it not been for Hamilton's interference. When Burr's term as vice president was almost over, he ran for governor of New York. Hamilton, once again, prevented Burr from winning by opposing his candidacy. Burr retaliated by challenging Hamilton to a duel.

As in the practice of dueling at that time, the person who was challenged to the duel selected the weapon. Hamilton selected pistols.

Dueling had several practices to ensure the duel was conducted fairly. Bringing a “second” or a trusted friend was one of the practices. The seconds’ responsibilities were to make sure that each man followed the rules for dueling and to help their friends if they were wounded. Alexander Hamilton brought Nathaniel Pendleton, while Vice-President Burr brought William Van Ness.

The two seconds were the only people to witness the duel because dueling was illegal. The men who rowed Hamilton and Burr, as well as a doctor, David Hosack, who went in case of injuries, had to stay below in the rowboats so that they could state honestly that they did not witness the duel. Therefore, they would not be able to testify against the duelists if they were charged with a crime. Even though duels were illegal in most states in 1804, they were not uncommon. Wealthy men, in particular, thought that dueling was the only way to defend their honor when that honor was seriously attacked.

Following the rules for dueling, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton stood 10 paces apart. Moments after the authorized second said “present,” shots rang out.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2020, from http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/nation/jb_nation_hamburr_1.html (modified).

Summer Learning Source C: Statement from Burr’s Second (Excerpt)

…it becomes proper for the gentleman who attended Col Burr to state also his impressions with respect to those points on which their [sic] exists a variance of opinion.

The parties met…& took their respective stations as directed: the pistols were then handed to them by the seconds. Gen Hamilton elevated his, as if to try the light, & lowering it said I beg pardon for delaying you but the direction of the light renders it necessary, at the same time feeling his pockets with his left hand, & drawing forth his spectacles put them on. The second asked if they were prepared which was replied to in the affirmative. The word present was then given, on which both parties took aim. The pistol of General Hamilton was first discharged, and Col Burr fired immediately after, only five or six seconds of time intervening. On this point the second of Col Burr has full & perfect recollection. He noticed particularly the discharge of G H’s pistol, & looked at Col B on the discharge of G H’s pistol he perceived a slight motion in his person, which induced the idea of his being struck. On this point he conversed with his principal on their return, who ascribed that circumstance to a small stone under his foot, & observed that the smoke of G H’s pistol obscured him for a moment in the interval of their firing.

Statement by William P. Van Ness - Aaron Burr’s Second

July 21, 1804 (Hamilton: Writings, p 1031); July 17, 1804 (Freeman: Affairs, p 192)

Freeman, J. B. (2001). Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Hamilton, A. (2001). Alexander Hamilton: Writings [Selections]. New York: Library of America: Distributed to the trade in the U.S. by Penguin Putnam.

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Source D: Statement by Hamilton’s Second (Excerpt)

…Mr. P[endleton] expressed a confident opinion that General Hamilton did not fire first – and that he did not fire at all at Col. Burr…

General Hamilton’s friend thinks it to be a sacred duty…to publish to the world such facts and circumstances as have produced a decisive conviction in his own mind. That he cannot have been mistaken in the belief he has formed on these points.

st 1 . General Hamilton informed Mr. P[endleton]…he had made up his mind not to fire at Col. Burr the first time, but to receive his fire, and fire in the air.

2nd. His last words before he was wounded he was asked if he would have the hair spring set? His answer was, “Not this time.”

rd 3 . After he was wounded, and laid in the boat, the first words he uttered: “Pendleton knows I did not mean to fire at Col. Burr the first time.”

th 5 . The pistol that had been used by General Hamilton…after having been some time in the boat, one of the boatmen took hold of it to put it into the case. General Hamilton observed this, said “Take care of that pistol – it is cocked. It may go off and do mischief.” This shews he was not sensible of having fired at all.

6. Mr. P[endleton]…determined to go to the spot where the affair took place, to see if he could not discover some traces of the course of the ball from Gen. Hamilton.

He took a friend with him the day after General Hamilton died, and after some examination they fortunately found what they were in search of. They ascertained that the ball passed through the limb of a cedar tree, at an elevation of about twelve feet and a half, perpendicularly from the ground, between thirteen and fourteen feet from the mark on which General Hamilton stood, and about four feet wide of the direct line between him and Colonel Burr, on the right side; The part of the limb through which the ball passed was cut off and brought to this city,

Statement by Nathaniel Pendleton - Alexander Hamilton’s Second July 19, 1804 (Hamilton: Writings ); July 16, 1804 (Freeman: Affairs, p 192) Freeman, J. B. (2001). Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic. New Haven: Yale University Press. Hamilton, A. (2001). Alexander Hamilton: Writings [Selections]. New York: Library of America: Distributed to the trade in the U.S. by Penguin Putnam.

Summer Learning

Dueling Documents – Part 1

Source C Source D

Short Summary

Author

What do you know about the author?

Point of View

Why might there be two different accounts of the Burr-Hamilton duel?

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Dueling Documents – Part II

Which document should win the document duel (considered more accurate)? Answer the questions to determine which document wins the duel.

Is one source “better” than the other? Why or why not.

What evidence from the source makes it “better”?

Which document won the duel and why?

Which account of the Burr-Hamilton duel should appear in our history textbooks?

Who fired the first shot? What evidence do you have?

Summer Learning

Supporting Question 3: Who fired the first shot? Now you are going to examine six images of the Burr/Hamilton duel. Your task is to study the images and rank them from 1-6 (1 = the most accurate, 6 = the least accurate) as being the best evidence to help you answer the question: who fired the first shot? Use “Dueling Images” on the next page to record your evidence.

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Dueling Images Important: Prior to ranking the images, think about how or why this image is more or less accurate than the other images?

Image Source Describe what How is the image Rank you see. similar/different to excerpts? ((Source C and D)

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Image 1

th The Granger Collection: halftone print. 19 Century. Hand colored at a later date.

"The Burr-Hamilton Duel. This print depicts the common account of the moment Vice President Aaron..." Dictionary of American History, edited by Stanley I. Kutler, 3rd ed., vol. 3, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2003. Gale In Context: High School, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3401887423/GPS?u=albrjh&sid=GPS&xid=f7e8f77c. Accessed 6 July 2020.

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Image 2

Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr after the painting by J. Mund. From the Project Gutenber e-Book. Beacon lights of History, Volume XI American Founders, by John Lord (1810-1894). http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/10644 Copyright unknown. Painting by J. Mund—From http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/6/4/10644/10644-h/Illus0368.jpg

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Image 3

Description: A duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, in which Hamilton was killed. Source: David B. Scott A School History of the United States (New York: American Book Company, 1884) 243. Wood Engraving, American, c1883.

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Image 4

The Granger Collection, New York. Artist: Hooper. Wood engraving, c1874.

"The duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: Government and Politics, vol. 1, Gale, 2008. Gale In Context: U.S. History, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3048487069/GPS?u=albrjh&sid=GPS&xid=50b6baab. Accessed 6 July 2020.

Summer Learning

Image 5

Image from the book, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr: Their Lives, Their Times, Their Duel, by Anna Erskine Crouse and Russel Crouse, published in 1958.

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Image 6

The Granger Collection, New York. Wood engraving, American, c 1892

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Writing an Argument

Question: Who fired the first short? Argument: Write an ending that tells the audience your evidence-based argument determining who fired the first shot. After you write the end of the story, select an image from the image collection you will use for the cover.

Explain why you selected the image.

Extension and additional materials

● Finish the Story, page 21 ● Cover Page, page 23 ● Taking Informed Action, page 25 ● Create your own book cover that accurately illustrates “who fired the first shot?”

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Finish the Story

On the morning of July 11, 1804, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr raised their dueling pistols and took aim. Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury, and Vice President Burr were long-standing political rivals and personal enemies. Burr might have been the president instead of vice president, had it not been for Hamilton's interference. When Burr's term as vice president was almost over, he ran for governor of New York. Hamilton, once again, prevented Burr from winning by opposing his candidacy. Burr retaliated by challenging Hamilton to a duel.

As in the dueling practice of that time, the person who was challenged to the duel selected the weapon. Hamilton selected pistols.

Following the rules for dueling, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton stood 10 paces apart. Moments after the authorized second said “present,” ______

Summer Learning

______

Summer Learning Cover Page

(Place image, write the number, or draw the evidence-based image here.) Tragedy at Weehawken

25 Summer Learning Explanation: Why did you select (or draw) this image?

______ ______

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Taking Informed Action

Historians use multiple sources to assist them in recreating the past. Your job is to create a Public Service Announcement explaining the importance of using more than one source when you are learning about the past (or present). The PSA can be either one of the following:

● 150 words or less (written); or

● 20 - 30 seconds (video recorded).

______

Summer Learning ______

The Delaware Social Studies Education Project designer Fran O’Malley granted permission for modification of the lesson plan for use by DoDEA parents, teachers, and students.