March 5 in American History

March 5, 1770 — the Boston Massacre

British soldiers fired into a jeering Boston crowd, killing five colonists — among them Crispus Attucks, a Black sailor often called the first to die for American independence. Paul Revere's engraving turned it into powerful propaganda. Remarkably, John Adams defended the soldiers in court, insisting even they deserved a fair trial.

Common Questions

What happened on March 5 in American history?

In 1770: the Boston Massacre. British soldiers fired into a jeering Boston crowd, killing five colonists — among them Crispus Attucks, a Black sailor often called the first to die for American independence.

Why is March 5 significant?

British soldiers fired into a jeering Boston crowd, killing five colonists — among them Crispus Attucks, a Black sailor often called the first to die for American independence. Paul Revere's engraving turned it into powerful propaganda. Remarkably, John Adams defended the soldiers in court, insisting even they deserved a fair trial.

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