On this day in history, 1770, British troops fire into a Boston mob, killing five colonists. The culmination of tensions in the American colonies had been growing since Royal troops first appeared in Massachusetts in October, 1768. Their goal: To enforce the heavy tax burden imposed by the Townshend Acts.
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| Boston Massacre |
It was a cold, snowy night March 5, 1770. A mob of angry colonists gathered at the Customs House in Boston. It was not long before anger escalated to the point of colonists tossing snowballs and rocks at the lone British soldier guarding the building. Upon calling for assistance, the guard was joined by a British corporal and seven soldiers. The crowd jeered daring the soldiers to fire. Private Hugh Montgomery slipped and fell, leading him to discharge his rifle into the jeering crowd. Some witnesses recounted Montgomery was struck with a club which caused him to fall to the ground and his gun fall from his hands, as he got up he retrieved his gun and fired. The other soldiers began firing a moment later, and when the smoke cleared, five colonists were dead or dying. These five men are often regarded as the first fatalities of the American Revolution.
Source: This Day in History
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| Image Source: en.wikipedia.org |
Responsibility
for the Boston Massacre is still debated to this day. With whom does the blame rest - Bostonians hurling insults, oyster shells, and other objects at British soldiers
or overacting military violating laws by firing upon civilians? Regardless of
blame, this day had a significant impact on the American Revolution.
Once Upon a Night
Tempers flared, insults soared
Across the streets of Dock Square
On the firth day of March
Angered wailing filled the air
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| Crispus Attucks being killed during the Boston Massacre |
Resentment over imposed taxes
Activated new forms of oppression
Warnings of tyranny and power
American colonists judged unfair
Freedom of thought, true expression
Characterized these colonists
Not being awed and subjugated
By the staunch British men of war
Testing the great cause of liberty
Brought mockery to the square
As landing of steadfast British troops
The citizens did forswear
Activated new forms of oppression
Warnings of tyranny and power
American colonists judged unfair
Freedom of thought, true expression
Characterized these colonists
Not being awed and subjugated
By the staunch British men of war
Testing the great cause of liberty
Brought mockery to the square
As landing of steadfast British troops
The citizens did forswear
Constant feeling of irritation
Led to Boston’s Battle of King Street
Where soldiers armed, ready and willing
Thoughtlessly fired upon the people
Led to Boston’s Battle of King Street
Where soldiers armed, ready and willing
Thoughtlessly fired upon the people
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| Paul Revere’s famous engraving of “The Bloody Massacre” |
Deaths of five civilians
At the hands of British troops
Could not have been spared
By the most towering steeple
At the hands of British troops
Could not have been spared
By the most towering steeple
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| The after effects of the Boston Massacre: 5 dead and the beginning of a revolt. |
Immediate, lasting ire
Laid irrevocable groundwork
For it was on this night
Virtual history was made
From that moment was dated
Severance from the British“On that night the foundation
Of independence was laid!”
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