Timeline of Pre WWII Gun Control
Attempts and Legislation
1774
Import ban on firearms and gun powder.
1774 – 1775
Confiscation of firearms and gun powder from individuals and from local governments.
1774
Before dawn on September 1, 260 Redcoats acting on General Gage's order sailed up the Mystic River and seized hundreds of barrels of powder from the Charlestown powder house.
The Powder Alarm, as it became known, was a serious provocation. By the end of the day on September 1, 20,000 militiamen had mobilized and started marching toward Boston.
1775
April 19, The militia message, was unmistakable: if the British used violence to seize arms or powder, the Americans would treat that seizure as an act of war, and the militia would fight.
1776
Yeah, fuck you Brittish Royals.
1791
The Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment – "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." gains final ratification.
1837
Georgia passes a law banning handguns. The law is ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court and is thrown out.
1865
In a reaction to emancipation, several southern states adopt "black codes" which, among other things, forbid black persons from possessing firearms.
1871
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is organized around its primary goal of improving American civilians' marksmanship in preparation for war.
1927
The U.S. Congress passes a law banning the mailing of concealable weapons.
1934
The National Firearms Act of 1934, regulating the manufacture, sale and possession of fully automatic firearms like sub-machine guns is approved by Congress.
1938
The Federal Firearms Act of 1938 places the first limitations on selling ordinary firearms. Persons selling guns are required to obtain a Federal Firearms License, at an annual cost of $1, and to maintain records of the name and address of persons to whom firearms are sold. Gun sales to persons convicted of violent felonies were prohibited.