No Discipline by the British Soldiers Created the Boston Massacre

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The Boston Massacre

On March 5, 1770, colonists were taunting a British sentry outside the Customs House. This was common for a day in colonized America. However, this day was more meaningful than any other before. The British sentry retaliated causing a considerable mob of colonists to get involved. Then some more British came to aid their comrade. Amid the chaos, the British fired their muskets into the crowd killing five and injuring three. This would later be referred to as the Boston Massacre. A lack of discipline by the British Soldiers prompted the Boston Massacre.

British presence in America became increasingly unwelcome during the 1700’s. The regime repeatedly became more authoritarian and deprived the colonists of their freedom. When the British made their way into Massachusetts in October of 1768, colonists were enraged. Years of major battles with France left England in need of money. The imperial government called for heavy taxes which were used only for the benefit of Great Britain itself. These taxes included housing British soldiers ("British Reforms and Colonial Resistance, 1767-1772 - American Memory Timeline- Classroom Presentation | Teacher Resources - Library of Congress"). There was absolutely no Democracy at the time. Regulars would abuse their power to intimidate and control the wrath of the colonists.

The Americans would not allow themselves to live under harsh rule without any kind of resistance. Nonviolent means of diplomacy were demonstrated to give themselves freedom. After all, one does not start a violent revolution without asking for a chance to be heard. As expected, the British did not listen. Colonists turned toward protest. Protest eventually turned to action. Action led to bloodshed ("P...

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...ite, Private John Carroll, Private William Warren, Private William McCauley, and Private James Hartigan were all acquitted (DiCanio et al.).

Although no one involved in the Boston Massacre was found guilty of murder, firing at unarmed civilians is never acceptable. The Americans had a right to protest and demonstrate against the British rule. When they were ignored, they had no choice but to go further because no one wants to live in slavery. The British soldiers had a choice not to shoot. If they can’t handle the stress of making tactical decisions, they shouldn’t be in a situation where they may have to go into combat. Hitting the colonists in the face with the butt of their rifle could have been acceptable. There was no warning of shooting either. Captain Preston could have fired a warning shot, which would have probably gotten everybody to stop and listen.

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