American Revolution: Boston and the Townshend Acts

The Colonists' Opposition to the Townshend Acts

• Colonists opposed the Townshend Acts through boycotts and protests, feeling they were unfair and resenting the British soldiers sent to enforce them.
• British troops were brought to Boston to maintain peace between colonists and British officials, but their presence only increased tensions.

The Boston Massacre

• On March 5, 1770, an argument between colonists and British Private Hugh White on King Street in Boston escalated into a confrontation.
• Colonists yelled at White, threw sticks and snowballs, and taunted him, eventually gathering a crowd of over 50 people.
• Captain Thomas Preston sent British soldiers to restore order, but their arrival with bayonets only enraged the colonists.
• When an object from the crowd struck Private Montgomery, his gun fired, and after a moment of stunned silence, the soldiers fired into the crowd.
• Three colonists died immediately, and two more died later.

Aftermath of the Boston Massacre

• Governor Thomas Hutchinson dispersed the crowd, promising an investigation into the incident.
• Eight British soldiers were arrested and put on trial, but struggled to find a lawyer to defend them.
• John Adams, a Patriot, agreed to defend them, arguing that they had the right to defend themselves.
• Six of the soldiers were found not guilty.

Learn about the colonists' opposition to the Townshend Acts through boycotts and protests, and how British troops were sent to Boston to maintain order. Test your knowledge of this pivotal moment in American history.