The Boston Massacre: A Turning Point in the American Revolutionary War

Describe the origins and results of the Boston Massacre.

-Occurred because of large standing army and the payments included-British transferred large amounts of troops to Boston to save money and control Boston’s protests-5 colonists died by British soldiers-rocks being thrown -The intense reaction by colonists-English officials moved army to islands in Boston Harbor-Townshend duties were repealed except tea

The Boston Massacre was a violent encounter between British soldiers and American colonists that occurred on March 5, 1770, in Boston, Massachusetts. The event had its origins in tensions between the British government and the colonists over issues of taxation and representation.

In the years leading up to the massacre, the British government had been imposing various taxes on the American colonies without their consent. The colonists, who believed they should have a say in how they were governed, responded with outrage and protests.

On March 5, 1770, a small group of colonists began taunting a British sentry outside the Customs House in Boston. A group of British soldiers stationed there responded by firing into the crowd, killing five colonists and injuring several more.

The event became known as the Boston Massacre and quickly became a rallying cry for American colonists against British rule. It was used as propaganda to fuel anti-British sentiment and helped to galvanize support for the American Revolution.

The British soldiers involved in the massacre were put on trial and were defended by John Adams, who would later become the second President of the United States. Adams argued that the soldiers were acting in self-defense and were not responsible for the deaths. Ultimately, only two soldiers were found guilty of manslaughter and were given relatively light sentences.

The Boston Massacre was a turning point in the relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain. It highlighted the growing divide between the two sides and set the stage for future conflicts that would eventually lead to the American Revolution.

More Answers: