Boycotts and the Boston Massacre

What does boycotting mean? Boycotting is the refusal to buy a certain product or support a company or organization.

How did boycotting play a role in the Revolution? After the Townshend Acts were passed, the colonists began refusing to buy British goods. This was called the “Non-Importation Movement.” Places most greatly impacted were major ports such as Boston and New York.

How did the Colonists live life without British goods? Boycott supporters spread the word quickly so more people participated. Colonists were encouraged to make homemade things. For example, women would stop buying imported tea and began making homemade clothes.

How effective were the boycotts? They worked! British prices fell by 50% The British had no choice but to remove the taxes on everything except tea.

What was the Boston Massacre? On a cold night in March, 1770, colonists got into a scuffle with British soldiers. The scuffle began when colonists expressed frustrations with how the British were running the colonies. Amidst the confusion, British fired shots at the colonists, and 5 were killed.

How did the Boston Massacre affect the Colonists? The Massacre led to even greater anger for the colonies. Paul Revere’s drawing, along with many newspaper articles depicted the British as the clear enemy.

Paul Revere’s Boston Massacre Depiction

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