march 5, 1770 culmination of tensions in the colonies 5 colonists died
TRANSCRIPT
Boston Massacre
March 5, 1770
Culmination of tensions in the Colonies
5 Colonists died
What we learned so far:
~ Armed guards were on duty
~ Angry mob began throwing rocks, ice balls, oyster shells, etc at soldiers
~ Taunted them, “Fire if you dare!”
~ One soldier got hit, knocked to ground, gun went off
~ Other soldiers panicked, opened fire
Boston Massacre did not spark new protests against British rule as expected
Things actually remained peaceful for a while
Until…..
After the Massacre
Attempt to “rescue” the East India Company
(EIC) Trading company that controlled all trade between Britain and Asia
Colonia boycott hurt the company badly
They held a monopoly over tea sales in colonies!
The Tea Act
It actually lowered the cost of tea!
Thought they would trick colonists into buying taxed tea, but they didn’t fall for it!
When ships arrived, protesters prevented them from unloading
The Tea Act
Sons of Liberty decided to unload the tea for the remaining British ships in the harbor- but not in the nice way…
Dressed as Mohawk Indians, they dumped 90,000 pounds of tea into the sea
The Boston Tea Party
King thought they went too far this timeIssue not about taxes- KGIII wanted total
controlResult- new series of laws1. Boston Harbor was closed to all shipping
until tea was paid for2. Placed the government firmly under
British control3. British soldiers who were accused of
murder would be tried in England4. More troops were sent to Boston to
enforce new laws
Outcome
50 leaders from 12 colonies (most of the British colonies in North America) First Continental Congress
Many spoke for their own colony, but needed to come together!
Only one thing united them- love of country and hatred of tyranny
Sent KGIII a peaceful message
First Continental CongressSept 1774
Paul Revere and William Dawes’ famous ride
Militia waited for British in Lexington, were attacked suddenly. Lost battle, Brits marched to Concord.
North Bridge- Brits opened fire, expecting another win.
Colonists held positions, Brits retreated!
Shot Heard ‘Round the World
No turning back!
Lexington and Concord was a turning point for colonies
Patrick Henry- one the more outspoken people for independence!
“Give me liberty, or give me death!”
May 1775- Second Continental Congress met
Wanted to know who should lead the “New England Army”
Chapter. 6-
The Declaration of Independence!
John Adams proposed to Congress that a ‘continental army’ be created.
George Washington was elected
Meanwhile, back in Boston….
2 forts were being built on two hills that overlooked the cityBunker Hill Breed’s Hill
Worried British general, William Howe, who had just arrived with more troops
He ordered them to attack the colonists.
Not smart.
British fought uphill- colonists were told ‘don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes’
Took 3 attempts for British to actually take over the hill
A war had begun!
Battle of ‘Bunker Hill’
Washington’s new army had no supplies!
Took canons from Fort Ticonderoga, dragged them to Boston
Brits woke up to see Boston was surrounded-
Howe abandoned city!
1775- Congress sent peace petition to KGIII
“Olive Branch Petition”
Was too late- KGIII already considered them traitors!
Thomas Payne’s Common SenseArguments against the King-
influenced many
Continental Congress appointed a committee to write a declaration of independence
Main goal- explain to world why the colonies were choosing to separate from Britain
All people are born equal in God’s eyes; entitled to the same basic rights
Thomas Jefferson Drafts a Declaration