What was the Boston Massacre?

What was the Boston Massacre?

Credit: Bettmann/CORBIS The Boston Massacre was a deadly riot that occurred on March 5, 1770, on King Street in Boston. It began as a street brawl between American colonists and a lone British soldier, but quickly escalated to a chaotic, bloody slaughter.

What factors led to the Boston Massacre?

Answers might include physical factors like darkness, distance from the shooting, or emotional ones like bias. f. Watch the John Adams episode dealing with the Boston Massacre and Trial. It starts at the beginning of Episode 1.

How long did it take to bring the Boston Massacre case to trial?

It took seven months to arraign Preston and the other soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre and bring them to trial. Ironically, it was American colonist, lawyer and future President of the United States John Adams who defended them. Adams was no fan of the British but wanted Preston and his men to receive a fair trial.

Which lawyer was involved in the Boston Massacre?

“A Lawyer Acquitted: John Adams and the Boston Massacre”. American Journal of Legal History. 18 (3): 189–207. doi: 10.2307/845085.

The Boston Massacre was a confrontation on March 5, 1770, in which British soldiers shot and killed several people while being harassed by a mob in Boston. The event was heavily publicized by leading Patriots such as Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.

What was the outcome of the Boston Massacre trial?

After a heated trial, Adams was ultimately victorious in showing the British soldiers were not at fault and had acted in self-defense. Six soldiers were found not guilty and two were found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The Boston Massacre was one of the most important events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

How did the presence of British regular troops in Boston affect colonists?

The presence of British regular troops in the streets of Boston enraged colonists, who now felt they were being occupied by a foreign army. British soldiers faced numerous insults and taunting as they patrolled the streets.

What happened to the colonists after the Boston Tea Party?

Colonists continued to rebel after the Boston Massacre, including the historic Boston Tea Party. The Boston Massacre had a major impact on relations between Britain and the American colonists. It further incensed colonists already weary of British rule and unfair taxation and roused them to fight for independence.