The Boston Massacre

On March 5, 1770 the Boston Massacre took place. The event was an accumulation of rising tension between colonist and British Royal troops. The troop presence in Boston increased in October of 1768 as an effort to enforce taxes imposed by the Townshend Acts. Tensions reached a peak when colonist began to throw snowballs and other objects at the British soldiers. This eventually led to an unknown soldier firing into the crowd. By the end of the massacre three colonist were killed on the site and two more later died from their wounds.

One of those killed was Crispus Attucks. He is commonly referred to as the first martyr of the American Revolution. Little is known about his life including his ethnicity. Many scholars believe he was African American or Native American. During the Abolitionist movement in the early 19th century, Attucks was used as an example of patriotism and heroics of African Americans in U.S. history.

After the incident, the citizens of Boston called for the removal of British troops and Captain Thomas Preston. A trial was held with the future 2nd U.S. President, John Adams defending the British troops. Of the eight soldiers that were put on trial six were acquitted and released. The two who opened fire onto the crowd were convicted of manslaughter. To this day the Boston Massacre is considered to be one of the most significant events leading up to the Revolutionary War. 

Theodor Seuss Geisel, or more commonly known as Dr. Seuss is known primarily as one of the most popular children's authors with titles such as Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and many others. However before becoming an Dr. Seuss, Geisel was a political cartoonist in New York (1941-1943). Below are some of the cartoons Geisel drew. These images and many others can be seen in the book Dr. Seuss Went to War by Richard H. Minear.

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