History can sometimes be told through objects and documents better than through textbooks or lectures. The Boston Massacre, an event which took place in the 1700s, is no exception. Below is a collection of objects and documents that tell us the story leading up to, during, and the aftermath of this fateful night.
What Was the Boston Massacre?
The Boston Massacre was a deadly confrontation between British soldiers and American colonists that resulted in the deaths of five colonists. Occurring in 1770, the Massacre was considered a key event leading up to the American Revolution which began five years later.
What Led to the Boston Massacre?
The Boston Massacre was a result of several years of growing tension between the Colonists and British soldiers. Before examining a few key documents to explain this tension, here is a list of objects related to the Massacre:
● The key players in the event, five British soldiers, eight civilians
● A British infantryman’s musket
● A bayonet used during the incident
● Two lanterns used to signal for backup
● An illustration of the Boston Massacre created in the same era
What Caused the Boston Massacre?
The Boston Massacre was a result of oppressive British policies under which colonists were no longer able to enjoy the same privileges they had enjoyed before the end of the French and Indian War in 1763. After the war ended, the British began heavily taxing the Colonists, which caused an uprising of angry citizens.
The Townshend Acts of 1767
The Townshend Acts placed four taxes on the colonists of tea, paper, lead, and glass-all items which the British had a near-monopoly over. In addition to the taxes, the colonists were prohibited from the use of their own judicial system, and instead, colonists were made to stand trial in Britain for any offense against the British Empire. To enforce these laws, the British sent thousands of troops to police the colonists.
The British Response to Protestors
Widely broadcasted attacks on British soldiers caused feelings of unrest and paranoia. British troops were ordered to shoot any protesters, even if just defending themselves. The order created hostility and ultimately led to a confrontation on the night of March 5, 1770. On this night, British soldiers and a large group of protesters argued in the snow- covered Boston streets.
The Night of the Massacre
The event began around 6 PM, when a young man named Edward Garrick accusing a British soldier of not paying his bill. When the soldier denied the statement, a crowd began to gather and the situation escalated. Soon after, shots were fired and five men were killed. The incident is known as the Boston Massacre.
The Aftermath of the Boston Massacre
The immediate aftermath was quick and decisive. British troops responsible for the deaths were threatened with violence and the British governor of Massachusetts declared martial law. Eight of the soldiers involved in the Massacre were arrested and held for trial. The British were convicted of manslaughter and the British government ordered their soldiers back to London.
The Significance of the Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a key event that helped propel the Colonists to fight for their independence from Britain. After the massacre, the Colonists organized a boycott of British goods. This boycott served as a political action that unified the Colonists and established them as a single nation, ready to fight for their own rights.
The Boston Massacre is remembered as one of the most significant events leading up to the American Revolution. Its story can be told through objects and documents found in archives and museums, which show just how important memories and artifacts can be when understanding the history of a nation. Through examining these artifacts, we can better understand the past and how it shaped the world we live in today.
