The Gun Control Act of 1968 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States aimed at regulating firearms. It was enacted in response to rising gun violence and assassinations, including those of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.. The law established a framework for the licensing of gun dealers and prohibited certain individuals, such as felons and those deemed mentally ill, from purchasing firearms. Additionally, the act required that all firearms be serialized and mandated background checks for buyers. It also restricted the importation of certain types of firearms and aimed to improve record-keeping by gun dealers. Overall, the Gun Control Act of 1968 sought to enhance public safety through stricter regulations on gun ownership.