How Gun Confiscation
Sparked the American Revolution

We normally think of the British attempt to disarm the American colonists as beginning in 1775, when "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired. That impression is understandable, as this was the first time American militiamen and British regulars actually did battle. Against all odds, the militia routed the Redcoats all the way back to Boston.

But that was hardly the beginning of the irreconcilable conflict between George III and the patriots in regard to what was considered the right of Englishmen to be armed. That conflict started in 1768, when ships with British forces were approaching Boston to put down resistance to taxation without representation, searches without warrants and the coercive acts imposed on the Americans.

According to The Boston Gazette (Sept. 26, 1768): "It is reported that the Governor has said, that he has Three Things in Command from the Ministry, more grievous to the People, than any Thing hitherto made known. It is conjectured 1st, that the Inhabitants of this Province are to be disarmed. 2d. The Province to be governed by Martial Law. And 3d, that a Number of Gentlemen who have exerted themselves in the Cause of their Country, are to be seized and sent to Great-Britain."

When it was leaked that Massachusetts Colonial Gov. Francis Bernard had requested the troops, James Otis, Samuel Adams and other patriots orchestrated a stormy meeting of the townsmen at Faneuil Hall (which is still there today). A resolution was adopted recalling that the English Declaration of Rights of 1689 declared that "the Subjects being Protestants, may have arms for their Defence," and admonishing every inhabitant to "always be provided with a well fix'd Firelock, Musket, Accouterments and Ammunition," as the militia law required. …