Emma Hunt

Gallant, Generous, and Disinterested: John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial

Emma Hunt

Senior Division Individual Website

Emma Hunt

Process Paper Gallant, Generous, and Disinterested: John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial How I Chose My Topic: The Boston Massacre trial served as a turning point in that it both affected the judicial system and influenced how future trials were run. I became interested in this topic both to learn about how the massacre was one of the stepping stones to the American Revolution, also to learn how John Adams was able to rise above peer pressure and fight for the preservation of the justice system. How I Conducted my Research:
I began my research by reading about John Adams, the massacre, and Adams role in the Boston Massacre trial from David McCulloughs book, John Adams. My main resources and PSDs were found through the Massachusetts and Boston Massacre Historical Societies. With the latter, I was provided with in-depth information about the trial itself and its impact on American ideals regarding justice. I read Thomas Prestons personal account of the massacre and also viewed a comprehensive timeline of significant events leading up to the massacre, such as the Townshend and Declaratory Acts. My most helpful PSD was a newspaper article printed in England, published by The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. These resources provided insight into what influenced John Adams actions.

Between County and States, I interviewed Dr. Robert J. Allison, the author of The Boston Massacre. Then, I added descriptions of present trials that relate to the Boston Massacre trial, along with other bits of information and multimedia.

Emma Hunt

How I Created my Project:

I decided to do a website in timeline form in order to enhance comprehension and provide a methodical way of organizing the information. My first page is the Thesis, where I state my topic and turning point. The second page is the Prelude, where I list the events leading up to the Boston Massacre. Under my third tab is the Turning Point, where I describe the research and PSDs. Under the fourth tab are my Results and Reactions, where I discuss the aftermath of the Boston Massacre. Finally, the Conclusions are discussed under the fifth tab. This is where my information and resources are tied together using a timeline video and the Liberty Song, which is one of the true symbols of patriotism.

How my Project Relates to the Theme: My project relates to the theme, Turning Points in History, by exploring John Adams methods in defining liberty and justice in American history. As mentioned before, the Boston Massacre was one of several significant events that fueled the fire of the American Revolution. John Adams major role in the Boston Massacre trials, where the opportunity to practice true justice and insist on the right to a fair trial, created a justice system that states one is innocent until proven guilty regardless of ones associations. The British were certainly grateful towards John Adams non-biased character, but, unfortunately, they were not enlightened by the principled approach of John Adams. Word Count: 492