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The Revolutionary War
A battle between the British military in America and armed militias kicked off the armed portion of the Revolutionary War. The British were working towards securing a militia's military supplies, including ammunition and rifles. This highlighted the need for American colonists to have weapons to fight against the British occupation. -
Ratification of the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States was finally ratified, including the Bill of Rights and Second Amendment. This guaranteed citizen's the right to bear arms and form militias. -
National Firearms Act (NFA)
In the light of increased gang violence and prohibition, the NFA was passed which required a $200 tax and registration of machine guns, short-barreled rifles, heavy weapons, suppressors, and explosive ordnance. Many opponents of the act believed that it only allowed mob bosses and gangsters to purchase and use these types of weapons. The NFA is considered to be the first legislation to enforce gun laws in the USA. -
Federal Firearms Act
In 1938, Franklin Roosevelt signed the FFA into law, this required that all gun related businesses had to have a Federal Firearms License. This requires those that sell firearms to be registered with the federal government, making it easier for the federal government to keep track of those selling firearms. The support of this act is fairly bipartisan, and most people agree with it. -
Firearm Owner's Protection Act
Passed in 1986 under the Reagan administration, sought to strengthen gun rights under the revitalization of conservatism. The act limited ATF inspections, allowed licensed dealers to sell weapons at gun shows, and loosened regulations on the sale and trade of ammunition. This was one of the few major pieces of legislation that strengthened gun rights rather than restricting them. -
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act
An act signed under the Clinton administration, requiring a background check for all gun purchases, and created a national criminal background check system maintained by the FBI. Many opponents believe this could lead to the federal government keeping track on those who own guns, though recently most people -- Democrat or Republican -- support this act. -
Federal Assault Weapons Ban
Banned semi-automatic weapons that looked like assault weapons, as well as banning large capacity magazines in 1994. The law expired in 2004. The act was very controversial and passed with a 52-48 vote in the Senate under the Clinton Administration. Studies have shown that the act had little effect on criminal activity or firearm homicides. -
Columbine High School Massacre
The Columbine massacre occurred on April 20th, 1999 in a high school in Colorado. There were 15 killed in the shooting. This was one of the first school-shootings that was widely publicized. The shooting caused outrage from the public and lawmakers. Increased gun control measures were suggested as a way to prevent future shootings. -
District of Columbia v. Heller
In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled against Washington DC's handgun ban, citing the second amendment, specifically stating that it is "unconnected with militia service and is an individual right". The Supreme Court also stated that the second amendment was not unlimited, and had definite restrictions.
