What was the Boston Massacre?

The Boston Massacre was the killing of five colonists by British regulars on March 5, 1770. It was the culmination of tensions in the American colonies that had been growing since Royal troops first appeared in Massachusetts in October 1768 to enforce the heavy tax burden imposed by the Townshend Acts.

The Boston Massacre Trials

The trials ended quietly. One took place 8 month after the incident. Defended by John Adams, Preston was fully acquitted. The second decision resulted in two convictions. The jury assembled for the trial did not have a single Bostonian. Read about other interesting facts and compare the documents and witness testimonies.

Timeline of Events

The first British troops arrived in Boston in October 1768 and from then onwards there was continuous antagonism between the people of Boston and the those trying to enforce the King's rule. The newspapers printed accounts of the 'atrocities' committed by the occupiers. British officers made every effort to prevent trouble.

The Famous Gravure

Paul Revere who also participated in the Boston Tea Party was quick to make the engraving but allowed several major inaccuracies.

Victims

Few facts are known about these people. Crispus Attucks was among them.

Student Essays

Sample student essays with different interpretations of the famous event.

Reenactment Video

Overview

History Links