Sworn enemies
All-American rivalries: 10 feuds that left their mark in history
Image: Nik A.
America is often described as the land of opportunity, and opportunity frequently comes hand in hand with conflict. American history has served as background for many rivalries—some of them real, others inflated by legend—that have greatly influenced American culture. Let’s take a stroll down (rival) memory lane!
1
Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi
The "Cola Wars" have been going on for decades, but it seems that there’s no resolution in sight. In the late 1970s, both companies started directing their marketing campaigns against each other, with mixed results , though Coca-Cola always seems to be half a step ahead of Pepsi. They have both gained a loyal following, but the war remains as strong as ever.
2
Hamilton vs. Burr
Political rivalries are not uncommon in America, but few include a deadly duel involving a sitting vice president. The animosity between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr intensified after Burr won a Senate seat from Hamilton’s father-in-law, Philip Schuyler. During the presidential election of 1800 and the New York gubernatorial election of 1804, Hamilton actively supported candidates opposing Burr. Deeply angered by Hamilton’s continued opposition and public criticism, Burr challenged him to a duel, and the rest is history.
3
Yankees vs. Red Sox
Sports fans are dedicated, but few rivalries match the intensity of those who support the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. They have been rivals since their first meeting more than 120 years ago, with the Yankees often being perceived as a dominant team, while the Red Sox filled the role of the underdog . Their enmity deepened dramatically in 1920, when Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees. What followed was an 86-year championship drought for Boston, popularly known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which the Red Sox finally broke in 2004.
4
Miami vs. Tampa
Can a sandwich cause a rift between two cities? It sure can. Cuban sandwiches are a Floridian staple , and their construction is often considered set in stone: ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, served pressed. Unless you live in Tampa. There, a strong Italian influence has translated into the addition of Genoa salami to the Cuban sandwich, much to the outrage of their Miami neighbors.
5
Mark Twain vs. USPS
Renowned writer Mark Twain had no qualms about criticizing the things he disliked, and he surely disliked the United States Postal Service . He thought it costly, inefficient, and overregulated, and he made sure to let everyone know in articles, complaint letters, and conversations with influential figures. In a poetic turn of events, the USPS released a Mark Twain commemorative stamp in 2011.
6
Hatfields vs. McCoys
One of the most infamous feuds in American history, the rivalry between the Hatfield and McCoy families shook the West Virginia-Kentucky area for three decades . Starting with the murder of a McCoy who was returning home from war, the hostilities and deaths escalated to a point where the Supreme Court was forced to intervene.
7
Edison vs. Tesla
Many inventors were involved in the so-called "War of the Currents," waged on electric power systems, but Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla are the most remembered. Edison championed direct current (DC) electrical systems, which operated at relatively low voltages and were suited to short-distance distribution. Tesla, working with George Westinghouse, promoted alternating current (AC), which could be transmitted over long distances more efficiently. Despite Edison’s strong campaign to discredit AC and its proponents, it ultimately became the standard power system.
8
Joan Crawford vs. Bette Davis
Rivalries are everywhere in the film industry, but some become the stuff of legends. Allegedly, the feud between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis was never as intense as portrayed. While the two actresses did clash at times over personality differences, professional competition, and rumored romantic entanglements, much of the rivalry’s enduring reputation was fueled by gossip columns and sensational press coverage. And their respective film studios took advantage of it.
9
Burger King vs. McDonald’s
The fast-food industry has always had McDonald’s as one of its key players, but other companies have given their all to take that position. Burger King is one of McDonald’s oldest challengers , and has repeatedly tried to influence their customer base through a series of aggressive and often tongue-in-cheek marketing campaigns. While other brands, such as Wendy’s or Five Guys, have dipped their toes in the "Burger Wars," McDonald’s and Burger King remain two of the biggest names in the industry.
10
Edgar Allan Poe vs. Rufus Wilmot Griswold
While Poe looms far larger than Griswold in the modern American mind, much of what the public believes about the "Nevermore" poet was influenced by his rival . Their feud began with the publication of a poetry anthology by Griswold, which displeased Poe due to its contents and criticism of his own poetry. The animosity intensified when they both vied for the same editorial position and, reportedly, the affections of the same woman. After Poe’s death, Griswold wrote an obituary and a biography filled with attacks and slander, which contributed to the idea of Poe as a drunkard and a madman.
