Boston Massacre

Americans Seek Independence Boston Massacre – This was an incident in 1770 when British soldiers fired into a crowd protesting at a customs house, killing five colonists. Background to the Boston Massacre: Great Britain was experiencing financial trouble because they had barrowed huge sums to pay for the French and Indian War. In an effort to ease their financial burden, British officials enacted duties (import taxes) on sugar and stamps. Colonists protested extensively and Britain repealed (officially withdrew) the acts. After repealing the acts, Britain needed a new supply of money. Thus, Charles Townshend, the country’s finance minister, attempted to tax the colonies yet again. In 1767 Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, which placed duties on some items colonists imported from Great Britain like glass, lead, paper, paint and tea. Custom officials used writs of assistance (special search warrants) to help them collect the taxes and stop smuggling. These writs of assistance allowed agents to search any ship, warehouse or home with reason. Many colonists saw Parliament’s move as another violation of their rights. The Townshend Acts resulted in protests from colonists. The largest protest came from Boston where the Massachusetts legislature called on the colonies to resist the Townshend Acts. Britain was angered and dismissed the Massachusetts assembly and moved a large number of soldiers, called the Redcoats into Boston. Boston Massacre: The soldiers presence led to trouble. On March 5, 1770 a large crowd organized by Samuel Adams began yelling insults and throwing stones at a group of Redcoats guarding the customhouse. The British soldiers panicked and fired into the mob of colonists. Five colonists were killed. Shortly after, the British commander and eight soldiers were arrested and charged with murder. Despite angry calls for revenge, the soldiers received a fair trial. Boston lawyer John Adams (Samuel Adams cousin and a critic of British policy), defended the soldiers. Most were found to have acted in self-defense.