»Arms are necessary«

The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing a right to bear arms, is one of the most contentious issues in American politics. The role firearms should or should not play in society is highly controversial and almost every candidate for public office will be questioned on his or her stance on guns. In the 18th century, guns were even more important. Used in hunting, dueling, crime, self-defense and the military, they symbolized freedom and the ability to defend it, masculinity, social standing and (dis)ordered society. Based upon a variety of sources, this book shows how American society of the 18th century used guns; thought, talked and fought about them, both in politics and out.