Boston Massacre
1770 colonial bloodshed
The Boston Massacre was a 1770 confrontation in which British soldiers fired on a crowd of American colonists, killing five.
The incident became a rallying point for colonial resistance and helped fuel sentiment toward the American Revolution.
The engraving of the Boston Massacre became powerful propaganda.
British military forces
- lobsterbacksSlang for British regulars
- regularsHabitual visitors
- musketMuzzle-loaded infantry firearm
- bayonetRifle-mounted stabbing blade
Violent public disturbance
- mobDisorderly, aggressive crowd
- snowballsCompacted winter precipitation orbs
- clubsHeavy striking sticks
- provocationAct that triggers response
taunting · casualties · wounded · sentry · crowd
Protection against harm
- acquittalFormal clearing of charges
- juryLegal decision-making body
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- manslaughterUnlawful killing without forethought
Thin informational booklets
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
- incitementProvoking unlawful behavior
- inflammatoryTending to provoke outrage
- sensationalismOverhyped news coverage
redcoats
British military forces
- lobsterbacksSlang for British regulars
- regularsHabitual visitors
- musketMuzzle-loaded infantry firearm
riot
Violent public disturbance
- mobDisorderly, aggressive crowd
- snowballsCompacted winter precipitation orbs
- clubsHeavy striking sticks
provocation · taunting · casualties · wounded · sentry · crowd
patriots
Devoted homeland supporters
defense
Protection against harm
pamphlets
Thin informational booklets
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
- incitementProvoking unlawful behavior
- inflammatoryTending to provoke outrage
sacrifice
Giving up something precious
- historyancient civilizations, past events, historian, epochs, era
- American HistoryAmerican Revolution, Revolutionary War, colonial era, founding fathers, Declaration of Independence
- American RevolutionDeclaration of Independence, Continental Congress, founding fathers, Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts
- Revolutionary WarGeorge Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross flag
- Colonial AmericaGeorge Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, Declaration of Independence
- Colonial WarsFrench and Indian War, Boer Wars, King Philip's War, Boer War, Mahdist War
Boston Massacrediplomatic resolution
Conflict ended through talks
Boston MassacreBoston Tea Party
1773 colonial harbor protest