Question

What act of civic virtue did John Adams demonstrate after the Boston Massacre?

a. He organized protests against British rule.
b. He defended British soldiers in court to ensure a fair trial.
c. He led a militia to confront British forces.
d. He wrote inflammatory pamphlets condemning British actions.

Answer 1

John Adams exhibited civic virtue by defending British soldiers in court to ensure they received a fair trial after the Boston Massacre, resulting in six acquittals and two convictions for manslaughter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The act of civic virtue demonstrated by John Adams after the Boston Massacre was b. He defended British soldiers in court to ensure a fair trial. Despite being a well-known patriot and a strong supporter of American liberties, Adams took on the unpopular role of providing a fair legal defense to the British soldiers charged with murder following the massacre. His representation of the soldiers was based on his belief in the fundamental right to legal representation and the necessity for law and order in society. His efforts in the courtroom resulted in acquittal for six of the eight soldiers, while the remaining two were convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter and received branding on their thumbs as punishment.