Ms. Schwoerer said firearms were around in England since the late
13th century, but didn't play an important role in society until the early
1500s, when Henry VIII ramped up production of guns with the hopes of proving
his prowess on the battlefield by making war with France. He purchased
artillery from elsewhere in Europe and encouraged gunmakers to set up shop in
Britain. In addition to bolstering the military, the focus on production
eventually put guns in the hands of people "up and down the social scale,"
she said.
Guns helped people hunt more effectively, putting more protein on the
table. There was an early interest in hunting for sport and protection, but
early on, increased access to game meat was a major factor, she said. In a less
practical sense, the gun was a novelty and carried with it an aura of power and
authority.
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