History: The Boston Massacre

An armed clash between the British and the colonists was almost inevitable from the moment British troops were introduced in Boston. Brawls were constant between the British and the colonists, who were constantly insulting the troops. On March 5, 1770, a crowd of sixty towns people surrounded British sentries guarding the customs house. They began pelting snowballs at the guards. Suddenly, a shot rang out, followed by several others. Ultimately, 11 colonists were hit. Five were dead, including Crispus Attucks, a former slave. At a subsequent trial, John Adams acted as defense attorney for the British soldiers. All but two were acquitted. The two were found guilty of manslaughter and had their hands branded. News of this attack was spread throughout the colonies. The incident became known as the