hewittvalue2equizzes

Quiz for The Boston Massacre

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Choose the best answer to each question.

Question

1. Why were the British soldiers confounded or confused, according to William Wyatt (see Document 5.6)?

The crowd was yelling for the soldiers to “fire” upon them.

The soldiers were not sure if the angry crowd was armed.

Their officer told the soldiers to fire and then asked them why they fired.

The soldiers were told not to shoot even as the crowd grew violent.

Correct: The answer is c. Wyatt reports that the officer yelled at his troops to fire their weapons, but, when they did, he asked them why they had discharged their weapons.

Incorrect: The answer is c. Wyatt reports that the officer yelled at his troops to fire their weapons, but, when they did, he asked them why they had discharged their weapons.

Question

2. The journalist who reported on the Boston Massacre funeral procession (Document 5.7) noted that the procession was attended by numerous people “of all ranks.” Why was this important?

It demonstrated a growing unity among Bostonians, regardless of class.

It showed that all military personnel were upset about the violence, regardless of rank.

It communicated an easing of tensions between the merchant class and the working class.

It illustrated the importance of tradition in Boston.

Correct: The answer is a. The fact that people from all classes of Boston society attended the procession to mourn and to show support demonstrated a growing unity within the city.

Incorrect: The answer is a. The fact that people from all classes of Boston society attended the procession to mourn and to show support demonstrated a growing unity within the city.

Question

3. What narrative about the massacre is communicated by Paul Revere’s etching (see Document 5.8)?

The colonists were shot in a fit of confusion.

The colonists were shot in self-defense.

The colonists were shot in a premeditated and orderly fashion.

The colonists were shot accidentally as a result of a dropped firearm.

Correct: The answer is c. The etching shows an officer ordering his soldiers to take aim and shoot a crowd of innocent civilians.

Incorrect: The answer is c. The etching shows an officer ordering his soldiers to take aim and shoot a crowd of innocent civilians.

Question

4. According to Captain Preston (Document 5.9), what did he believe to be the intentions of the gathered crowd outside of the Custom-House?

To murder all of the soldiers

To steal the King’s money

To negotiate an end to the Townsend Acts

To overthrow the King’s government

Correct: The answer is b. Preston believed that the crowd gathered to force their way into the Custom-House to steal the King’s money.

Incorrect: The answer is b. Preston believed that the crowd gathered to force their way into the Custom-House to steal the King’s money.

Question

5. What was the purpose of Hancock’s speech (Document 5.10) and the commemoration of Massacre Day?

Peace with the local soldiers and the British crown

Discord between Bostonians and the stationed soldiers

Protest of the Tea Act

Unity among the colonies for liberty

Correct: The answer is d. The commemoration of the massacre and Hancock’s speech sought to unify the colonists against British dominion over the colonies.

Incorrect: The answer is d. The commemoration of the massacre and Hancock’s speech sought to unify the colonists against British dominion over the colonies.