Famous Duels

About Famous Duels

Give your memory a workout with Famous Duels: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 medium, 5 hard, 4 easy questions, free to play right in your browser. Historic duels and rivalries Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.

A few sample questions

1. 1. In 1804, which two American political figures fought a famous duel that resulted in one's death?

   Answer: Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton

   On July 11, 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr shot and mortally wounded former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton died the following day.

2. 2. Which famous Russian poet was killed in a duel in 1837?

   Answer: Alexander Pushkin

   Alexander Pushkin, considered the father of Russian literature, was mortally wounded in a duel with Georges-Charles de Heeckeren d'Anthès on January 27, 1837. The duel was fought over Pushkin's wife.

3. 3. Before becoming president, Andrew Jackson was known for fighting in approximately how many duels?

   Answer: 13 duels

   Andrew Jackson reportedly participated in as many as 13 duels during his lifetime. He carried bullets in his body from at least two of these encounters for the rest of his life.

4. 4. In what country did the tradition of formal dueling with swords originate during the Renaissance?

   Answer: Italy

   The formalized code of dueling originated in Italy during the Renaissance, particularly through the publication of dueling codes of honor. The practice then spread throughout Europe in the 16th century.

5. 5. Which French mathematician was killed in a duel at the age of 20, the night after writing down groundbreaking mathematical discoveries?

   Answer: Évariste Galois

   Évariste Galois was killed in a duel on May 30, 1832, at age 20. The night before, he frantically wrote down his mathematical theories, which became foundational to modern algebra (Galois theory).

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Flintlock pistols were the weapon of choice for American duels. Pairs of matched dueling pistols were specially made for the purpose, designed to be as identical as possible to ensure fairness.
• ✓A 'second' served as an assistant, witness, and negotiator. Their primary duty was to try to resolve the dispute without violence. They also ensured the duel was conducted honorably and fairly.
• ✓The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, pitted Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday against the Clanton-McLaury gang. The entire fight lasted about 30 seconds.