The Boston
Massacre
Brittany Cienfuegos
Introduction
Do you know what the Boston Massacre was? Did you know over
400 people attended the Boston Massacre. Amazing! And over 50 of
them were colonists. Read this book to learn lots more!
Chapter 1: What was the Boston Massacre?
Did you know one of the reasons the Boston Massacre started was all just a big
misunderstanding. First of all, British redcoats started to act rude toward the people in
Boston. The people living in Boston showed hatred torward the redcoats . On March , 5,
1770 a wig maker's assistant Edward Garrick was accusing a redcoat Goldfinch for not
paying his master [boss] but Goldfinch had actually payed his bill that evening. Another
redcoat private Hugh White overheard the argument and tried to defend Goldfinch by
butting Edward Garrick in the face with his musket. Edward Garrick started crying
because of the pain. A little later people came and started throwing rocks and sticks to
defend themselves. Over 400 people attended the Boston Massacre.
Taxing the Colonists
The people paid smugglers to bring in goods such as food and water. The redcoats saw
what was going on and sent warships to patrol the American Coast. Smugglers who
were caught selling illegal foreign goods, were fined and imprisoned. Taxing the colonists
was Prime minister George Grenville’s idea to pay for the redcoats food and water and
the supplies the needed in order to live. In 1764 British Parliament passed the Stamp Act
which it’s original name was the American Revenue Act, which taxed the colonists.
Results
Let me explain, after the Boston Massacre, colonists became angrier with the British and
also did the people of the 13 colonies, because of the painting Paul Revere engraved
showing dead Bostonians and redcoats with weapons (musket). The crowd that
attended the Boston Massacre eventually went back to their homes by the acting
governor Thomas Hutchinson. Thirteen people were arrested: 8 redcoats, 1 officer, and 4
civilians. John Adams became the redcoats lawyer, because he thought it wouldn't be a
fair trial. 6 redcoats were not found guilty, but 2 were found guilty of manslaughter.
Parliament repealed the Townshend act and all other taxes except on tea. Boston people
were demanding the redcoats to be executed, because of the shooting. Governor
Thomas Hutchinson ordered Captain Thomas Preston and 5 other redcoats to be put in
prison pending a trial. The British redcoats killed 5 people and wounded 6.
This is the painting that Paul Revere engraved showing how Paul
Revere felt about the Boston Massacre. This showed the colonists
Britain was bad.
Chapter 2: Who was Benedict Arnold?
Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 in the city of
Norwich Connecticut. He died on June 14, 1801 in London England.
Benedict had 5 brothers and sisters, but sadly only one sister
survived. The rest of them died of yellow fever. Benedict attended a
private school but had to drop out because, his father was a
businessman and lost his fortune because he began drinking.
Benedict is best known for being a traitor. He thought the Stamp
Act was not fair so he joined the patriots/sons of liberty, and then
became a major general. He started selling secrets to Britain. Then
he became part of the British army.
This is a portrait of Benedict Arnold.
Chapter 3:The night of the Boston
Massacre
I woke up by gunshots. I looked out the window at the starry
night. Next thing I saw were dead men! Apparently mom and dad
hadn't woken up, so I opened the window and put one leg down then
the other. My child gown glimmered in the moonlight. I crept behind
our house, I saw redcoats… with muskets! One week earlier, I
remember hearing from pa that the British were taxing the colonists.
There was a mob of over four hundred people. Next thing I knew I
fell and heard a noisy thud.
Chapter 4: Why the Boston Massacre a
turning point.
The Boston Massacre was a turning point because, the British
redcoats killed five people and wounded six, Parliament repealed the
Townshend Act and other taxes including the Stamp Act, and last but
not least, thirteen people were arrested.
My first example is that the redcoats killed five colonists and
wounded six. Also the first person to die was Crispus Attucks. Do you
realize this comes to show the colonists and patriots that Britain was
bad.
Another example is that Parliament repealed the Townshend
Act, and all other taxes except on tea.. This is great for the thirteen
colonies but bad for the British. People should consider the Boston
Massacre a big turning point because, they wouldn't have to pay
taxes but the British lost money for the redcoats.
In addition thirteen people were arrested. Do you realize this
shows that the Boston Massacre was very violent. Eight redcoats,
one officer, and four civilians were arrested. Two redcoats were
found guilty of manslaughter. Six redcoats including Captain Thomas
Preston were not found guilty and were set free.
You must consider the Boston Massacre a bloody Massacre and
very violent because, colonists got killed, Parliament repealed the
Townshend Act and other taxes except on tea, and thirteen people
were arrested. The Boston Massacre was a big turning point.
Glossary
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Redcoats- British soldiers
Imprison- to put or keep someone in prison
Colony- a territory that is under control by another
country
Smugglers-people who take something into or out of a
country
Warships- a ship designed and built for war
Parliament- Britain's government
Manslaughter- the unlawful killing of a human
Repealed- to cancel something (law)