The Boston Massacre happened on March 5 of 1770. This fatal incident resulted in the death of some Boston colonists. British troops were in the Massachusetts Bay Colony to stop demonstrations against the Townshend Acts and keep order. However, they aggravated the situation because the citizens viewed the British soldiers as a threat, and a defiant anti-British fever was lingering among the colonists.
There were some major things that led to the Massacre, as the growing mistrust between the parties, the inadequate amounts of soldiers to keep peace and the revolt of the Townshend Acts that caused tension.
These things led to a situation that was out of control and full of violence. The soldiers were beaten on street corners and soldiers abused unarmed civilians.
The British soldiers fired on the colonist and they thought they were justified because:
1. they were defending themselves and,
2. they believed that by doing so, they would be able to restore order.
