Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: Duels - A Guide to Throwing Down the Gauntlet
Jul 13, 2019
Delve into the fascinating world of duels, where honor and rivalry clash in dramatic confrontations. Explore the U.S. Navy’s surprising guidelines on dueling and its historical significance. Uncover the complexities of female dueling and notable rivalries, like Hamilton vs. Burr. Hear how the rules of honor shaped societal views among the elite. Discover the evolution of dueling from jousting to firearms, and learn why this once-popular method of conflict resolution ultimately faded away.
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Dueling's Trivial Roots
- Dueling was often about trivial matters, like insulting someone's hat.
- A challenge could not be refused without being seen as a coward.
Seconds' Role
- Seconds, friends who accompanied duelers, often ended up fighting each other.
- This dynamic mirrored bar fights, escalating involvement beyond the initial conflict.
Irish Code in US Navy
- The Irish Code of 1777, a widely adopted dueling code, was included in the U.S. Navy Midshipman's Handbook.
- This inclusion persisted until 1862, highlighting the Navy's acceptance of dueling.