The Boston Massacre, known in Great Britain as the Incident on King Street,1] was a confrontation, on March 5, 1770, during the American Revolution in Boston in what was then the colonial-era Province of Massachusetts Bay In the confrontation, nine British soldiers shot several in a crowd, estimated between 300 and 400, who were harassing them verbally and throwing various projectiles. The event was subsequently described as "a massacre" by Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and other leading Patriots who later became central proponents of independence during the American Revolution and Revolutionary War.[2 British troops had been stationed in the Province of Massachusetts Bay since 1768 in order to support Crown-appointed officials and to enforce unpopular legislation implemented by the British Parliament.
Amid tense relations between the civilians and the soldiers, a mob formed around a British sentry and verbally abused him. He was eventually supported by seven additional soldiers, led by Captain Thomas Preston, who were hit by clubs, stones, and snowballs. Eventually, one soldier fired, prompting the others to fire without an order by Preston. The gunfire instantly killed three people and wounded eight others, two of whom later died of their wounds.[4]
The crowd eventually dispersed after acting governor Thomas Hutchinson promised an inquiry, but they reformed the next day, prompting the withdrawal of the troops to Castle Island. Eight soldiers, one officer, and four civilians were arrested and charged with murder, and they were defended in court by attorney, and future U.S. president, John Adams. Six of the soldiers were acquitted; the other two were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to branding on the thumb, according to the law at that time.
Depictions, reports, and propaganda about the event, notably the colored engraving The Bloody Massacre, heightened tensions throughout...
Read moreEverybody that is new that comes to this country should definitely go to Boston and learn history and what we did to fight for our independence and study the Constitution you're coming to the country because of America's freedom and a chance to live the American dream if you let the politicians infringe on the Constitution because you didn't read it and you don't understand it you might as well stay in your country because you're going to turn America into your country then you won't be able to live the American dream so please all immigrants study the Constitution theses are your rights to now and you should learn and protect them never let these politicians trick you just because you're new to the country and then you'll see and you'll live the American dream guaranteed America is an immigrant country that's how it works but don't let them trick you please too many people died for you to be able to come here and live the American dream did the Boston massacre is just the beginning of everything it's a must-see in must learn history about our country so enjoy don't forget to eat while...
Read moreOne of the important stops on the Freedom Trail in Boston is the site of the Boston Massacre that took place just outside the Old State House on 5 March 1770. Many consider this event to be a catalyst for the eventual American Revolution that saw the colonies formally part ties with the British Crown.
The site is marked by a seal upon the location where British soldiers, being harassed by a mob, fired upon a crowd, killing 5 colonists. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about this monumental event in American history as you make your thought the Freedom Trail attractions in Boston. However, at this location, you simply see the seal marking the location of the event.
You can conveniently take in a viewing of the seal and location in a couple minutes before going onward into the Old State House or over to Faneuil Hall depending on which directly you are going as part of your Freedom Trail visits go. As such, it is an easy sight to take in if you are sightseeing...
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