It’s no secret that America has a complicated relationship with guns and it’s been that way since the very beginning. Let’s look at 10 moments in history that really changed how America deals with guns. These are the tragedies that shook the nation & the laws aiming to make things better. With each one, our relationship with firearms was never the same.
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The Second Amendment Ratification (1791)
Back in 1791, the ink was still fresh on the Second Amendment and it laid down the law—Americans have the right to bear arms. It gave us all the right to protect ourselves and our country. Eventually, it set the stage for all the debates & discussions that would follow. Even so, from the get-go, it was clear that guns were going to be a big part of American life.
The Civil War (1861-1865)
The Civil War was as much a battle over states’ rights & slavery as it was a way to show off the power of firearms. Weapons got more advanced and the destruction they could cause became painfully obvious. Soon enough, people realized just how significant (and deadly) firearms could be, which affected the nation’s view on gun ownership.
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The National Firearms Act (1934)
In the 1930s, America had gangsters left and right so the government decided it was time to step in. This led to the National Firearms Act of 1934. The law aimed to make it harder for criminals to get their hands on powerful weapons like machine guns. It was one of the earliest examples of the government cracking down on guns.
The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963)
President Kennedy’s tragic assassination in 1963 made the entire nation realize how devastating gun violence could be. The tragedy eventually led to greater calls for stricter gun laws. President Kennedy’s murder made people stop & think—how were firearms impacting our country?
The Gun Control Act of 1968
Unfortunately, President Kennedy wasn’t the only person to be assassinated in the ‘60s. Martin Luther King Jr. & Robert F. Kennedy were also murdered, which kickstarted the Gun Control Act of 1968. The law aimed to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, like felons or the mentally ill. As such, it was a big step forward in making the country safer.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993)
The Brady Act emerged after James Brady was shot during an attempt on President Reagan’s life. The law introduced background checks & waiting periods for buying handguns in an attempt to prevent the wrong people from getting guns. Clearly, the government was more serious about tackling gun violence.
The Columbine High School Massacre (1999)
In the late 90s, the heartbreaking tragedy of the Columbine massacre reignited the debate on gun control. Beyond the horror of the event, people were also shocked & upset at the realization that schools weren’t safe from gun violence. Many people called for stricter laws. They were concerned about how young people could access guns.
The District of Columbia v. Heller Decision (2008)
In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in the District of Columbia v. Heller case. They decided that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to have a gun for personal use, including for self-defense. It was a huge victory for gun rights supporters and it affected how lawmakers interpreted regulations going forward.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting (2012)
In 2012, the awful Sandy Hook massacre occurred and it led to the loss of so many young lives. Many people began demanding change & stricter gun control laws after this tragedy. It was a moment that made it impossible to ignore the issue of gun violence in America. Naturally, people felt the effects of it across the country.
The Rise of Gun Control Advocacy Groups
In recent years, groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action have pushed for real changes in laws & policies. No matter your opinion on gun rights & gun control, it’s clear that the conversation around guns is evolving. More and more people are demanding action to prevent gun violence.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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