Essential Question What was the series of events that led to the Boston Massacre?

Activism & The Boston Massacre Ch 6 Sec 2 Pt II

Anger Over Townshend The Townshend Acts sparked immediate protest in the colonies – Colonists were furious that Parliament had passed taxes w/o offering representation (again!) – Colonists were also angry over writs of assistance British customs officers were searching & seizing their property w/ increasing regularity – Many colonists believed deeply that these taxes/laws were against their natural rights

Political Activism In response to the Townshend Acts, merchants in Boston organized another boycott – As the boycott spread, more colonists became politically active This included many who had previously not been willing or able to have a voice For example, women formed an organized protest group called the Daughters of Liberty – These women urged colonists to: » Make their own thread, cloth, & clothing (homespun) » Use American products instead of British imports

“Disorder” & Tension Fearing disorder, Britain sent 1,000 extra troops to the colonies – Samuel Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty, argued these troops were: Unnecessary in peace time A threat to colonial rights These troops quickly became a source of tension – On March 5, 1770 the tension would spill over into violence

The Boston Massacre That evening, a group of youths & dockworkers surrounded the State House – The groups traded insults, while the colonists pelted the soldiers w/ clam shells, rocks, & snowballs As the crowd grew larger & more hostile, the soldiers began to fear for their safety – In the confusion, a British soldier fired into the crowd This caused the others to fire on the crowd as well – 5 colonists were killed, igniting massive outrage in Boston » Word spread quickly, and anti-British propaganda flooded colonial newspapers