Many people have heard of the Boston Massacre, but out of those, not many know what it means.

The colonists hated the British army and would do anything to get them out of America.

The violence occurred in March of 1770 when a small group of British soldiers fired at a mob of colonists, leaving eleven dead or wounded. The Boston Massacre raised opinions on whether or not citizens had the right to challenge the authority and the right to maintain order.

The night of the massacre started with the "Battle over the Barber's Bill," which resulted in a wounded teenager named Edward Garrick, who was slapped in the face with a musket after arguing with Lieutenant Goldfinch over a bill.

The next two events are really tied together in one. The third event happened in the midst of 300 people. Another colonist, attacking with a stick, was repelled with bayonet wounds in the bicept and chest.

The third event happened two minutes and six seconds after the second incident. During this event colonist Sam Gray dared Private Kilroy to fire on him. He was killed by a gun shot wound to the head. Four others followed his death and seven were wounded.

To the colonists' surprise the muskets were reloaded and in firing position,but Captain Thomas Preston told his men not to fire. Later an address was given by Governor Hutchinson, telling the colonists that they should live by the law. As he left the street another man took over and told the crowd to remain until the soldiers returned to their barracks. It was assumed by the crowd that the soldiers responsible for the incident would be brought to justice.

Yahoo's link directory for The Boston Massacre

Link to Paul Revere's famous engraving of the Boston Massacre

Link to the Boston Historical Park

Go to the Gordon Russell Middle School home page

Link to the American Revolution home page

Bibliography:

Dickenson, Alice. The Boston Massacre. New York: Franklin Watts, 1968.

Zobel,Hiler D. The Boston Massacre. New York: W.W.Norton and Co. ,1970.