The Boston «Massacre» or Victims of Circumstance? (1770)

On March 5, 1770 British troops fired on American civilians in Boston. The book cites that the Boston Massacre resulted from months of increasing friction between townspeople and the British troops stationed in the city (page 139). The Boston Massacre occurred when “angry and frightened British soldiers fired on a crowd that was pelting them with sticks and stones” (page 139.) The atmosphere was extremely tense in Boston. The document tells us that lawsuits were open later on; John Adams bravely defends the British soldiers in court. After this tragedy, couple questions are to be answered. Is the soldiers really in fault or the townspeople? Why the occurrence on March 5, 1770, is referred to as the legendary name of “Boston Massacre?” The Boston Massacre is a lot of anger between the townspeople and the government. Five men died and others were wounded. The book, on page 139, mentioned that one of the 5 men who died was Crispus Attucks and were described as “that half Indian, half negro and altogether rowdy.” Certainly the townspeople provoked the soldiers and were abusing the soldiery by throwing snow balls, but don't the soldier have higher values and are highly trained? Soldiers are trained to fight against others soldiers; not against non soldiers which aren't armed as they are. When Samuel Atwood came up to see what was the matter and asked the soldier if they intended to murder people, they answer were: “Yes, by G-d, root and branch!” The soldiers then became violent and attacked single and unarmed persons till they raised much clamour. Because the people and soldiers start to be very aggressive from one to another everything started to be blown out of proportion. Confusions and tensions were taking place. The bell that was supposed to be used only for fire was in use and soldiers thinking they heard fire, started firing to the townspeople. We are looking at a lack of communication