American War of Independence

Today in History: 05 March 1770

USA: War of Independence – Boston Massacre

On this day in 1770, the Boston Massacre took place and became an important incident in the lead up to the American War of Independence. The massacre was really something of a ‘beat up,’ with five men being killed when British troops fired into a crowd that was harassing them and throwing objects at them.

Also of major interest in this incident, was the court case in the trial of the British troops, as  John Adams (second president of the USA) defended the British troops in their trial.

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Massacre

Also, a newspaper report:
http://www.archive.org/details/bostonmassacre00good

Today in History: 21 January 1793

France: Execution of Louis XVI

Louis XVI began his reign on the 10th May 1774 as King of France and Navarre, before becoming King of the French on the 1st October 1791. His reign ended on the 21st September 1792 and he was executed (beheaded) by guillotine on this day in 1793 at the Place de la Revolution.

Louis XVI supported the Americans in the War of Independence, prior to the French Revolution which ended the monarchy in France and therefore his reign.