The Boston Massacre of 1770 was sparked by rising tensions between American colonists and British soldiers stationed in Boston. The increasing presence of British troops intended to enforce tax laws made colonists feel oppressed and unwelcome, leading to confrontations. On March 5, a confrontation escalated when a crowd of colonists began taunting and throwing snowballs at British soldiers. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five colonists, including Crispus Attucks. The event intensified anti-British sentiments and was used as propaganda by revolutionary leaders, further fueling the movement towards American independence.