The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers shot and killed five colonists during a confrontation in Boston. Tensions had been rising between the colonists and British authorities due to issues like taxation without representation and the presence of British troops in the city. The incident escalated from a verbal altercation to violence, leading to the tragic deaths of individuals such as Crispus Attucks. In the aftermath, the event was used as a rallying point for colonial resistance against British rule. It fueled anti-British sentiments and contributed to the growing desire for independence, ultimately playing a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. The Boston Massacre remains a pivotal moment in American history.