The Boston Massacre

The British in Boston After the Townshend Acts, British soldiers begin arriving in Boston in 1768. Their mission is to enforce the law, and to keep the colonists from rebelling or boycotting the taxes.

Tensions Rise Boston patriots treat the soldiers like an invading army. They insult the troops, spit on them, and start fights with them. British soldiers feel more and more threatened over the coming months.

March 5, 1770 That night, a lone British soldier is standing guard at the Boston custom house. Boston citizens arrive and begin to taunt the soldier. More British soldiers arrive disperse the crowd, but they are unsuccessful.

Massacre In the confusion, British soldiers open fire on the crowd. Eleven people are shot. Three are killed instantly. Two others die later of their wounds.

Different Accounts American point of view British point of view