This set of three lectures examines America’s relationship with guns and gun violence from colonial times to the present with special focus on the emergence of a uniquely American gun culture, a powerful gun lobby, and the social and political challenges states, communities and lawmakers have faced over time. We will also look at how gun technology and gun accessibility have emerged as deeply polarizing issues in 21st century America. The course will also look at the issues of crime statistics and gun control using international comparisons as points of reference.