Summary:
The Boston Massacre became a pivotal event in the history of the United States War for Independence, but it was an immediate result of built up anger and resentment toward the British soldiers occupying Boston.

Details or Sample:
On March 5, 1770, one of the pivotal events that would provide impetus for the revolution occurred. Responding to an increasingly large and angry crowd, British troops fired on unarmed colonists, killing five of them. However, the events of March 5 were in fact a result of years of built up resentment and grievances against the British soldiers stationed in Boston.

Colonists resented what they considered unfair taxes levied against them by the British. After the repeal of the hated Stamp Act, another way to collect taxes was needed. So, in order to collect money to support British government officers and troops in the colonies in a less offensive, intrusive manner, the Townshend Acts were conceived. They placed import taxes on various goods, including glass, paper, and tea. Rather than improving the situation, these taxes were yet another source of the colonists anger.

Colonists resented the soldiers presence, and the fact that they were taxed in order to pay for the soldiers. It was also common for the British army to confiscate property for the soldiers use and to "impress" colonists into the British service, usually against their will.

Taunting the British had become a common sport in Boston, and on the evening of March 5 some boys began throwing snowballs and taunting a sentry outside the Custom House. As the crowd grew, a group of British troops led by Captain Thomas Preston came to protect the sentry and attempt to calm the crowd. The crowd was soon joined by others in front of the Custom House, who also threw snow, ice, coal, and oyster shells at the troops. The crowd continued to grow, and as it did, it became more vocal and agitated.

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Written by: Corner Scribe
Available File Types:Text
Words: 546