USHISTORY - Chapter 4

Study flashcards for chapter 4 Boston Massacre

What key event does this section focus on

The Boston Massacre — its facts, causes, and aftermath

Why is John Adams’ role in the Boston Massacre significant

He defended the British soldiers to uphold rule of law and show fair justice, even for unpopular defendants

What was the relationship between Britain and the colonies before the 1760s

Britain practiced “benign neglect,” allowing colonies to largely self

What was the impact of the Seven Years’ War

Britain gained land but went into debt, leading to new taxes on colonies

What was the Stamp Act

A tax on paper goods like legal documents, newspapers, and licenses

How did colonists react to taxation

Protests, boycotts, riots, and formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty

How did colonists feel about British soldiers stationed in the colonies

Resentful — saw them as occupying forces and a threat to liberty

Who was Ebenezer Richardson

A customs officer involved in conflict with colonists; a crowd attacked his house and he shot into the crowd, killing a boy

What is an effigy

A dummy figure burned or hanged in protest, often representing a disliked official

Why is eyewitness testimony not always reliable

Witnesses may be biased, confused, or have conflicting memories — accounts can contradict each other

What should you look for when comparing depositions

Major points of disagreement and which witnesses seem more trustworthy

What is significant about Paul Revere’s engraving of the Boston Massacre

It’s propaganda — dramatized to make the British look guilty and stir anti

What was the jury’s decision in the Boston Massacre trial

Most soldiers were acquitted; two were convicted of manslaughter and branded on the thumb

What happened to Captain Preston

He was acquitted of all charges

Why was Sam Adams “delighted” with the verdict

It gave colonists a rallying cry — the event fueled revolutionary sentiment

What did John Adams believe about the Boston Massacre (p. 103)

He suspected it was a planned event to spark rebellion — consider evidence for/against this theory in depositions

What does “benign neglect” mean

Britain allowed colonies to self

What was the Albany Plan

Benjamin Franklin’s proposal for colonial unity and shared defense — it failed but was an early sign of unity efforts

What were three key results of the French & Indian War

1. Britain gained land (Canada, land east of Mississippi)

2. Britain went into debt → new taxes

3. Colonists gained military experience and confidence