Was the Boston Massacre justified?

Question

Was the Boston Massacre justified? Expalin using concreate reason?

Answer 1

It really wasn't much of a massacre; blown WAY out of proportion by the press.

Justified? Possible. These soldiers were fearing for their lives. Just because they were British doesn't make their actions wrong.

Answer 2

First, I am assuming you are refering to an incedent which occured in Boston prior to the Revolutionary War. If you research the matter, you will discover that it was in fact, no massacre. There were very few casulaties, and the incident was blown up and exaggerated by newspapers who were pro-revolution. The citizens who were fired upon were throwing loaded snowballs at the English soldiers, and there was only a few shots fired. Nobody is even able to say with any certainty that it was the British who even fired them. Even if they did, I can't say it was not without some amount of provocation. Anyone stupid enough to throw snow covered rocks and pottery at an armed soldier, with the intent of injuring the person, should not be surprised when tempers flare and the weapon is fired. It doesn't make it right, but it does make it understandable. There was no massacre, so there is nothing to justify.

Answer 3

Basically, British troups opened fire upon unarmed civilians who were part of a crowd that had been demonstrating against the British presence.

Whether the British reacted in fear, or only in heavy handed retribution, they were tried and two were convicted.

This sort of thing happens today, but no one can justify it.

It underlines some of the American constitutional guarantees that
citizens have a right to assemble publicly, that they have the right to speak their mind without retribution, and government is to be established with the consent of the people.

Answer 4

LOl, u keep posting these questions about Amercian history. i think it's funny.

The Boston Massacre happened sort of by accident. The protesting was getting quite large, so troops were sent to keep a damper on things. One of the soldiers fell down by accident, his gun discharged, and the others soldiers (seeing a comrade on the ground and hearing a gunshot) opened fire on the mob. If memory serves, 5 people died.

Answer 5

A small group of soldiers under attack by an unruly mob? One was struck down by a thrown club and called out "Fire". One of the dying victims even acknowlegded that the soldiers should rightly feel threatened.

Answer 6

A massacre is never justified.