1920–1933 Chapter 01
The charge that reached Capone
Bootlegging made criminals rich and notorious. Bringing them into federal court was another matter.
Read the storyPhoto: National Photo Company Collection / Library of Congress
The chapters
A century in six stories
Begin with the streets of Prohibition-era America, or jump to the argument that interests you.
1934–1967 Chapter 02
Why tax a gun?
Cummings wanted a law Congress could defend in court. The fight was over which weapons, and which owners, it would reach.
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1968–1985 Chapter 03
The registry goes to court
A Texas defendant challenged a law that asked owners to provide evidence against themselves. Congress had to find another way to make registration work.
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1986–2007 Chapter 04
A new ban in a gun-rights bill
A bill meant to ease burdens on gun owners also closed the ordinary civilian machine gun market to new stock.
Read the storyPhoto: White House Photographic Office / Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, C35043-21 · Public domain — official U.S. government photograph.
2008–2024 Chapter 05
A handgun at work, but not at home
A Washington policeman’s challenge reshaped Second Amendment law. Later disputes reached from city carry permits to ATF’s definitions of firearms.
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2025–today Chapter 06
The fight over a tax of zero
The tax cut became a test of Congress’s authority. A limited court injunction and a nationwide ATF policy followed. Checked October 20, 2026.
Read the storyPhoto: Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok · Public domain — official U.S. government photograph.