The Business of Guns

Text-Dependent Questions

1. What is the earliest example of the U.S. government providing patronage for the gun manufacturing industry? 2. What was the legal solution reached for competitors who manufactured revolvers based on Smith & Wesson’s design? 3. Why did Remington Arms manage to sell so many arms at the earliest stage of its history?

Research Projects

1. Prior to modern advertising, such as TV commercials, manufacturers often promoted their goods in catalogs, such as the popular Sears-Roebuck catalog. Research gun advertising in 19th-century catalogs, and write a report. How did gun manufacturers portray their products? Who was the primary target? What strategies did they use to emphasize the value of their products? 2. Gun manufacturers are hardly the only companies to turn a profit during a time of major conflict. Research any of the major American wars and the role of businesses in that war, and then write a report. What are some industries that benefit broadly in times of war? What are specific companies that have a close tie to the military? Do any industries struggle during times of war? 3. One of the major struggles of the American colonists during the Revolutionary War was access to supplies, including arms and ammunition. Research the logistics of the Revolutionary army, and write a report. How did the army meet the needs of the war? What burdens did the individual soldiers themselves have to deal with?

Chapter 1: Manufacturers

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