The "Boston Massacre" 1770

In Boston it became common for local people to mock and jeer at British red-coated soldiers. The Customs House, where imported goods were taxed, became the center of anti-British demonstrations. On 4th March 1770, a British officer, Captain Preston, called upon his men to protect the building. "Fire if you dare, God damn you!" was shouted. "Fire and be damned. We know you dare not." The mob advanced to the line of bayonets and began pushing the rifles aside. A British soldier was knocked to the ground. The soldiers opened fire and, when the smoke cleared, five Bostonians lay dead.

Despite the hatred felt on both sides, the soldiers got a fair trial, and the Captain and his men were acquitted of murder.

• The Background to the American War of Independence
• Britain Taxes its Colonies
• The "Boston Tea Party"
• The First Continental Congress
• The War for Independence Begins
• The Second Continental Congress
• American Victories
• The Declaration of Independence
• The Constitution of the USA
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