The death penalty's evolution in one map

Here’s an easy and interesting way to get a quick history lesson on how the death penalty in the United States has changed over the years — with one GIF map.

Executing people is nothing new in the U.S., with the first one under the constitution taking place in 1790. We’ve used hangings, firing squads, electric chairs, lethal gas and lethal injection — and for a time, we banned all executions.

The New Republic has taken an in-depth look at the issue, but by looking at the map below, you’ll see that there have only been a few instances in history where we’ve all pretty much been in agreement on the best way to off a convicted criminal.

Via New Republic