What was the Boston Massacre?

The Boston Massacre was the killing of five colonists by British soldiers on March 5, 1770. It was the culmination of civilian-military tensions that had been growing since royal troops first appeared in Massachusetts in October 1768 to enforce the heavy tax burden imposed by the Townshend Acts.

The Trial of the British Soldiers

The Boston Massacre trials ended quietly. Defended by John Adams, Captain Preston was acquitted during the trial. Find out why. Read the original testimonials of witnesses. The jury assembled for the trial did not have a single Bostonian. Read about who else was accused.

Timeline of Events

The first British troops arrived in Boston in October 1768 and from then onwards there was continuous antagonism between the people of Boston and the soldiers. The newspapers printed accounts of the 'atrocities' committed by the soldiers. British officers made every effort to prevent trouble…