Paul Revere: The First Martyr Of The American Revolution

Just one small action ignited one of the most largest turn of events in American history. In the month of October 1768, a group of red suited British officers were stationed in the town of Boston, Massachusetts due to the rioting after the vessel “Liberty” was seized from trade violations (Foner 185). The British Government had been trying to increase taxes and control over the American colony. On March 5th, 1770 the colonists couldn’t take it anymore, they wanted the troops out. A mob of angry American colonists made advances on the British troops and Capt. Thomas Preston fired, without orders, followed by more shots fired from the troops. Crispus Attucks was the first to perish and later to be name the “first martyr of the American Revolution” (Foner 185).

The troops were put on trial defended by John Adams, but were tried and received little to no punishment. Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson had no choice but to retreat his troops to an island in the harbor due to the pressure that was caused after the trials. Just three weeks after the event, a man named Paul Revere conjured up a historical engraving of his depiction of the Boston Massacre, although very inaccurate. Revere’s engraving on that fateful day sparked outrage and spread quickly throughout the thirteen colonies. In accordance to American Independence, the Boston Massacre was the start of the American Revolution; the colonists strived for independence. The Continental Congress began to abolish British authority in the American colonies and the result was the increase of support for the independence. As the British authority started to decline the Continental Congress became the governing body of the American colonies. Britain placed a close on the port of Boston, which angered the American