The election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams was a contested election. Many at the time considered the outcome of the election between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans to be a prelude to a looming disaster dependent on the winner. If the Federalists, than the new United States was headed toward the failure and chaos of the French Revolution. If the Democratic-Republicans, then the risk of mass majority rule and excesses without central authority. To add more to this especially important early election for the new nation, Aaron Burr received the same number of electoral votes as Vice-President as did Thomas Jefferson as President. The deciding vote taken in the House of Representatives and cast by Alexander Hamilton, Jefferson was declared President. The Federalists had been replaced with the ascending Democratic-Republicans. But this deciding vote and change in power, triggered political conspiracy and a most interesting period of American history. Aaron Burr, an ambitious political figure of the time, blamed Hamilton for his not being named President. Political revenge boiled in Burr's blood; eventually leading Burr to the duel against Hamilton and Hamilton's death days late; having been shot by Aaron Burr. Burr fled New York to avoid prosecution attempts. Burr was outcast in political Washington. As the United States expanded its reach and ambition, Jefferson's great acquisition of the Louisiana territory -- purchased from the French -- guaranteed the growth and strength of the United States expansion. Yet, it was also a vulnerable time for a new nation. Loyalties were not guaranteed and the political divide remained from the election and partisanship. In concert with General James Wilkinson -- Louisiana Territory governor and officer of the United States Army -- and a secret political clique (cabal) of wealthy landowners, local politicians, army personnel and sympathizers, Aaron Burr set about a plan to exploit the Louisiana Territory issue and raise an army determined to use a false military action against the Spanish presence to take control of the southwest. It was to be a coup de 'etat take-over of the southern United States and the origination of a new nation. It was treason. ( )

This was fascinating, I of course knew about the Burr-Hamilton Duel (normally referred to as the Hamilton-Burr Duel, but I refuse to mention the loser first). Some things I didn't know:
Burr was the Vice President of the US.
Hamilton was an evil Federalist.
Burr tried to usurp the Presidency from Jefferson.
Burr tried to steal the Lousiana Purchase.
The Commanding General of the US Army was a Spanish spy.

This stuff is great! As I read more of Nevin's work, I have become familiar with certain overall features of this scandal, but I didn't know how it ended. ( )