The Boston Massacre in 1770 significantly escalated tensions between American colonists and British authorities, serving as a catalyst for the American Revolution. Five colonists were killed by British soldiers, leading to outrage and increased anti-British sentiment. Propaganda, particularly by figures like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, portrayed the event as a brutal massacre and galvanized public opinion against British rule. This incident not only unified the colonies in their resistance against Britain but also became a symbol of colonial oppression. The Boston Massacre is often cited as a pivotal moment that contributed to the growing desire for independence in America.