The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis
In 1805 and 1806, Aaron Burr, former vice president of the newly formed American republic, traveled through the Trans-Appalachian West gathering support for a mysterious enterprise, for which he was arrested and tried for treason in 1807. This book explores the political and cultural forces that shaped how Americans made sense of the uncertain rumors and reports about Burr's intentions and movements, and examines what the resulting crisis reveals about their anxieties concerning the new nation's fragile union and uncertain republic.



Burr was said to have enticed some people with plans to liberate Spanish Mexico, others with promises of land in the Orleans Territory, still others with talk of building a new empire beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The Burr Conspiracy was a cause célèbre of the early republic?with Burr cast as the chief villain of the Founding Fathers?even as the evidence against him was vague and conflicting. Rather than trying to discover the real intentions of Burr or his accusers?Thomas Jefferson foremost among them?James E. Lewis Jr. looks at how differing understandings of the Burr Conspiracy were shaped by everything from partisan politics and biased newspapers to notions of honor and gentility.
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The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis
In 1805 and 1806, Aaron Burr, former vice president of the newly formed American republic, traveled through the Trans-Appalachian West gathering support for a mysterious enterprise, for which he was arrested and tried for treason in 1807. This book explores the political and cultural forces that shaped how Americans made sense of the uncertain rumors and reports about Burr's intentions and movements, and examines what the resulting crisis reveals about their anxieties concerning the new nation's fragile union and uncertain republic.



Burr was said to have enticed some people with plans to liberate Spanish Mexico, others with promises of land in the Orleans Territory, still others with talk of building a new empire beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The Burr Conspiracy was a cause célèbre of the early republic?with Burr cast as the chief villain of the Founding Fathers?even as the evidence against him was vague and conflicting. Rather than trying to discover the real intentions of Burr or his accusers?Thomas Jefferson foremost among them?James E. Lewis Jr. looks at how differing understandings of the Burr Conspiracy were shaped by everything from partisan politics and biased newspapers to notions of honor and gentility.
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The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis

The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis

by James E. Lewis Jr.

Narrated by Robertson Dean

Unabridged — 20 hours, 15 minutes

The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis

The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis

by James E. Lewis Jr.

Narrated by Robertson Dean

Unabridged — 20 hours, 15 minutes

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Overview

In 1805 and 1806, Aaron Burr, former vice president of the newly formed American republic, traveled through the Trans-Appalachian West gathering support for a mysterious enterprise, for which he was arrested and tried for treason in 1807. This book explores the political and cultural forces that shaped how Americans made sense of the uncertain rumors and reports about Burr's intentions and movements, and examines what the resulting crisis reveals about their anxieties concerning the new nation's fragile union and uncertain republic.



Burr was said to have enticed some people with plans to liberate Spanish Mexico, others with promises of land in the Orleans Territory, still others with talk of building a new empire beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The Burr Conspiracy was a cause célèbre of the early republic?with Burr cast as the chief villain of the Founding Fathers?even as the evidence against him was vague and conflicting. Rather than trying to discover the real intentions of Burr or his accusers?Thomas Jefferson foremost among them?James E. Lewis Jr. looks at how differing understandings of the Burr Conspiracy were shaped by everything from partisan politics and biased newspapers to notions of honor and gentility.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

"Lucid prose and careful notes make this text one that will interest both scholars of early nationalism and readers simply interested in learning more about Burr beyond his famous duel with Alexander Hamilton."

From the Publisher

Finalist for the 2018 George Washington Prize

"2017 Finalist in History, ForeWord Reviews’ INDIES Book of the Year Awards"

Longlisted for the 2018 Cundill History Prize, McGill University

Tulsa World

"In The Burr Conspiracy, James Lewis . . . provides an exhaustive and informative account of the myriad ways in which Burr’s contemporaries struggled to make sense ‘of swirling rumors and conflicting reports’ about the expedition, Burr’s trial, and its aftermath. . . . Lewis’ splendid book will appeal to readers who enjoy getting into the weeds. It also serves as a cautionary tale for our times."

Library Journal

"Lewis contributes to the conversation with a wholly new analysis of the Burr conspiracy that focuses more on the reaction than on the event itself. . . . A meticulously researched, comprehensive analysis essential to early American scholarship."

Product Details

BN ID: 2940171388614
Publisher: HighBridge Company
Publication date: 10/17/2017
Edition description: Unabridged
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