Question

Who fired the first shot to cause the Boston Massacre?

Answer 1

Private Hugh Montgomery fired the first shot at the Boston Massacre. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Many biased people claim the British started the Boston Massacre because they were the first shoot a gun. Truth is, American colonists had planned a simple riot for weeks before through a group of patriots called The Son's of Liberty. They had decided they were done paying so many taxes. The Son's of Liberty had brought their weapons which included the following; clubs for making rope, snowballs, clams, shells, and stones, to the corner of Devonshire and State Street where they knew the red-coats would see them as trouble. Although The Son's of Liberty and others, including children, had planned a small riot and had brought weapons, I don't believe they wanted to have five innocent man to lose their life and have six others become injured. The Son's of Liberty began throwing their weapons and shouting "FIRE IF YOU DARE" and "FIRE! FIRE!" as if they were the British Troops' commander.  The Son's of Liberty were antagonizing the British and began imitating Captain Thomas Preston as if he was demanding his men to fire.  

Because the american colonists were teasing the British soldiers, the red coated British Soldiers fired thinking it was Captain Thomas Preston demanding and threatening them to fire. Private Hugh Montgomery fired first  into the crowd causing the others to wrongfully go along with it. The British fired after many soldiers had been struck with the clubs of colonists and were brutally injured. The shots had then become protection of the British and self defense.

The death of five men and injuries to six other colonists were the effect of colonists wanting revenge for . Samuel Gray was killed due to a bullet in his head, James Caldwell from two shots in his back, Crispus Attucks died from two shots in his chest. Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr got mortally wounded by bullets which later on led them to suffering while on the verge of death.

author:  Madison Harju

Age: 13

Date of article: December 20, 2018     5:36 pm