The Boston Massacre In 1770, a riot occurred between British troops and American colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. Tensions had been mounting between the two groups for some time. American colonists became upset when Great Britain imposed a series of new taxes on the colonies because of debts from the French and Indian War. This caused a great deal of unrest, especially in Boston. The British decided to send troops to the area in an attempt to keep order and protect their interests. On March 5th, a crowd gathered outside the Old State House. British soldiers also began to gather, and as tensions in the crowd increased, the troops fired, killing five people. This event became known as the Boston Massacre. Which of these best describes the Boston Massacre? A. It was a main cause of the French and Indian War. B. It had very little effect on the feelings of American colonists. C. It caused the British to punish the colonies severely. D. It resulted in more support for the independence movement.