Print, "The Bloody Massacre", 1832

Description:

Events in Boston in 1770 confirmed many patriots’ worst fears about the dangers of putting policing power in the hands of an armed military. British troops in Boston were supposed to see Parliament’s laws peacefully enforced. But military occupation of the city created bitter disputes between soldiers and civilians. Five colonists died when soldiers fired on a crowd. Silversmith Paul Revere, a fervent patriot activist, created prints of the event to fan the flames of public outrage. This copy from Revere’s plate was made in 1832.

Associated Date: 1770 03 05

See more items in: Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection, Government, Politics, and Reform, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith

Exhibition: American Democracy

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PL.307521.01Catalog Number: 307521.01Accession Number: 307521

Object Name: Print

Physical Description: engraving (overall production method/technique)paper (overall material)Measurements: overall: 15 in x 11 3/4 in; 38.1 cm x 29.845 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-8191-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_530073

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.