Lesson 55: The Aaron Burr Conspiracy

After Aaron Burr was president Jefferson's former first-term vice president, he challenged the government's authority by working with a group of radical Federalists who wanted New England and New York to secede from the U.S. 

 Alexander Hamilton thwarted Burr's plans to become the governor of New York after uncovering his secret plans. 

 Burr was so angry that he challenged Hamilton to a duel, which was made illegal in most states.

Hamilton reluctantly accepted the challenge, but refused to kill his opponent. 

 Burr, however, did not hesitate and killed Alexander Hamilton.

Later, Burr decided to try and create his own empire in western America.

 He collaborated with General James Wilkinson, the governor of Louisiana and a spy for Spain, to take over the west and break up the United States.

But General Wilkinson betrayed him and sent a letter to president Jefferson telling him of this conspiracy.

 In 1807 Burr was arrested and put on trial, but there weren't enough witnesses to convict him of his crimes.