Reality of Wild West Duels

What was the primary reason for the quick-draw duel between Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt?

• Tutt had stolen Hickok's horse.

• Tutt was flirting with Hickok's old flame and planned to humiliate him with his watch.

• Hickok accused Tutt of cheating in poker.

• They were rival lawmen in Springfield, Missouri.

How do conservative estimates of homicide rates in the Wild West compare to today's most violent US cities?

• They were significantly lower.

• They were about the same.

• They were much higher, often exceeding 1000 per 100,000.

• There is no reliable data to make a comparison.

Which statement best describes the nature of most gunfights in the Wild West?

• They were formal, honorable duels with strict rules.

• They were typically planned events to settle disputes fairly.

• They were often spontaneous, messy, and involved taking every available advantage.

• They rarely resulted in fatalities due to poor marksmanship.

How did Langford "Farmer" Peel ultimately win his gunfight after running out of bullets?

• He surrendered to his opponent.

• He used a hidden derringer to shoot his opponent.

• He stabbed his opponent with a Bowie knife.

• His opponent fled the scene.

Significant contributors to the violence were

• alcohol and gambling

• trouble over women

• disagreements about money

• confusion over the rules of duels