Why did people duel? Like Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr? It just confuses me to why one would shoot the other to win an argument, perhaps (?) | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Why did people duel? Like Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr? It just confuses me to why one would shoot the other to win an argument, perhaps (?)

by f-o-o-d-i-e

I’m so so sorry if this is a very stupid question. I don’t understand the purpose of gun-to-gun duels.

Georgy_K_Zhukov

I've written quite a bit on this before. I'd point to this in particular, although several on that page are relevant. Happy to answer any additional follow-ups you might have.