Question

ASAP On March 5, 1770, British soldiers fired on a crowd of people in Boston. Six people died from gunshot wounds. This event became known as the Boston Massacre. British law required a fair trial by a jury for those involved in the massacre. Both the Loyalists and the Patriots wanted to see justice. The Loyalists felt the soldiers should be pardoned. The Patriots, though, wanted to find the soldiers guilty in a fair trial to prove to the world that America could be seen as a place where justice resides. Both sides wanted to calm people down and avoid further bloodshed.

Part A
From Captain Preston’s point of view, what happened during the Boston Massacre?



Part B
What was happening at this time in history?


Part C
What is the main idea or topic being expressed?



Part D
How is the message conveyed to the audience?



Part E
Who will read this testimony? Who is the audience?



Part F
What is the feeling, tone, or mood being conveyed? Why would the captain use this tone?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A: It is unclear from the historical record what Captain Preston's specific perspective on the events of the Boston Massacre was. However, as a British soldier and officer, it is likely that he would have seen the event as a response to an unruly mob that posed a threat to the safety of the soldiers under his command.

B: The Boston Massacre occurred during a time of growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The colonies were becoming increasingly resentful of British rule and the taxes and regulations imposed on them by the British government. This resentment was fueled by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the desire for self-government. The event of the Boston Massacre further inflamed these tensions and was used as a rallying point by Patriots in the colonies, who saw it as an example of British tyranny and oppression.

C: The main idea or topic being expressed is the events of the Boston Massacre, including the actions of the British soldiers, the reactions of the Loyalists and Patriots, and the legal proceedings that followed.

D: The message is conveyed through a description of the events and the opinions and actions of the various groups involved.

E: It is not specified who the intended audience for this testimony is. It could be a historical record for future reference, an account for legal proceedings, or a written piece for public consumption.

F: The feeling, tone, or mood being conveyed is one of tension and conflict. The actions of the British soldiers and the differing opinions of the Loyalists and Patriots highlight the divisions and disagreements present at the time. The tone may be neutral to present the events objectively. The captain may use this neutral tone in order to not show bias or to present the events as they happened, and not to influence the outcome of the legal proceedings.