A survey of duelling in the United States

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Martin Luther Wilson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Richard Bardolph

Abstract: This thesis was undertaken to study duelling as an aspect of social history in the United States. The aim of the researcher was to go beyond mere chronicling of particular duels, in an effort to ascertain feelings and attitudes toward the practice. To obtain such information, both published and unpublished sources were consulted, to reconstruct the story of duelling as it developed in America. The duel grew out of European practices, particularly the chivalry associated with knighthood. The custom was later transported to America by European settlers, though few duels occurred before the American Revolution. The presence of aristocratic European officers in America during that conflict influenced natives, who retained the duelling custom. The duel was present in all sections of the new nation until Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804. At that point the duel lost favor in the Northern states, but held on primarily in the Southern states. Northern political leaders and military men continued to duel from time to time, however.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1969
Subjects
Dueling $z United States $x History
United States $x Social life and customs

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