In the text you read this about the aftermath of the Boston Massacre: The soldiers were arrested and tried in court. John Adams agreed to defend them, saying that they deserved a fair trial. He wanted to show the world that the colonists believed in justice, even if the British government did not. At the trial, Adams argued that the crowd had provoked the soldiers. His arguments convinced the jury. In the end, the heaviest punishment any soldier received was a branding on the hand. Use the excerpt to answer the question. How could John Adams defend the British soldiers but still be seen as a Patriot? (1 point) Responses Adams knew that many Patriots wanted the British soldiers to be set free. Adams knew that many Patriots wanted the British soldiers to be set free. Adams defended the soldiers while defending the Patriots' belief in justice. Adams defended the soldiers while defending the Patriots' belief in justice. Adams defended the soldiers because many Patriots asked him to. Adams defended the soldiers because many Patriots asked him to. Adams defended the soldiers because he thought it would make the British pity the Patriot cause.

3 answers

Adams defended the soldiers while defending the Patriots' belief in justice. This response highlights that John Adams prioritized the principle of a fair trial and justice, which aligned with the values of the Patriot movement, even though the soldiers were British. By doing so, he demonstrated that the colonists upheld the rule of law and due process, which was a key aspect of their Patriot identity.

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Yes, the best answer is that "Adams defended the soldiers while defending the Patriots' belief in justice." This choice reflects how Adams's commitment to fairness and justice for all, even those on the opposing side, was consistent with the ideals that many Patriots held. It shows that he believed in the rule of law, which was an important principle for the emerging American identity, even as tensions with Britain escalated. Would you like further clarification?