A Legal Slave Uprising? | United States v. The Amistad

The Amistad case involved 53 African slaves who revolted on a Spanish ship in 1839. After being captured off the U.S. coast, they faced legal battles over their status. The case reached the Supreme Court, where former President John Quincy Adams argued for their freedom. The Court ruled in favor of the Africans, recognizing them as free individuals. This landmark case fueled the abolitionist movement and highlighted the complexities of slavery laws in the U.S.

What was the initial destination of the Amistad after leaving Havana, Cuba?

• Connecticut, USA

• Sierra Leone, Africa

• Porto Principe, Cuba

• New York, USA

Who were the two individuals forced to navigate the Amistad after the uprising?

• Jose Ruiz and Pedro Montez

• Martin Van Buren and Henry Gilpin

• John Quincy Adams and Joseph Story

• Thomas Gedney and Richard Mead

In which state were the Africans brought to trial after being arrested?

• New York

• Connecticut

• Virginia

• Massachusetts

What was the main argument of the Amistad Committee in court?

• The Africans voluntarily came to the USA.

• The Africans were born free and kidnapped.

• The Africans were legally purchased slaves.

• The Africans were Spanish citizens.

What was the outcome of the District Court ruling regarding the Africans on the Amistad?

• They were declared property of Ruiz and Montez.

• They were to be sold in the USA.

• They were sentenced to life imprisonment.

• They were ordered to be returned to Africa.

Who represented the Africans in front of the Supreme Court?

• Henry Gilpin

• Joseph Story

• Martin Van Buren

• John Quincy Adams

What was the significance of the Supreme Court's decision in the Amistad case?

• It upheld the legality of the slave trade.

• It resulted in the execution of the Africans.

• It declared the Africans as Spanish citizens.

• It was a major victory for the abolitionist movement.