The Boston Massacre

by Bonnie L. Lukes

Tensions between the citizens of Boston and the unwanted British redcoats in their midst had been mounting for weeks when, taunted by Bostonian mobs, British soldiers fired into the crowd, killing six outright and fatally wounding two. The trial of the soldiers was called "The Boston Massacre."

Genres: History, Nonfiction

111 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a relatively short summary of the Boston Massacre that occurred in 1770. After tensions in Boston had escalated about recent taxes imposed on colonial America it came to head when after a mob that was harassing a group of British soldiers shot and killed 5 people. They were put on trial and only 2 were convicted of "manslaughter". One of the defense lawyers for the soldiers was the future 2nd President of the United States, John Adams.

I'm sure there are more in-depth books and writings on this event but this gives you a pretty good overall summary of what happened. It also pays a lot of attention to the trials that followed. It's a good book that's easy to understand and will give you a decent summary of the event.

[Aisha Manus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise history of the not just the massacre but the events that led up to it and the aftermath. Easy to read and lost of primary source examples.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written, concise history of what let up to the Boston Massacre, the actual massacre from the point of view of witnesses and participants, and the trials that followed. Few expected a fair trial, but most felt justice was served when the officer and all but two of the soldiers were found not guilty. John Adams, who would later become president, was one of the defense lawyers.