Amistad Movie and Supreme Court

Debbie Allen, an acclaimed actress and producer, was inspired to make the movie Amistad after learning about the historical revolt led by Sangbae Pier in 1839. The captives of the Amistad, with the help of abolitionists, fought for their freedom in the American courts, culminating in a Supreme Court case argued by John Quincy Adams. Despite the pro-slavery sentiments of many justices, the court ruled in favor of the captives' freedom. This case highlighted the moral complexities of slavery and the power of individual action in changing societal norms.

What motivated Debbie Allen to produce the movie 'Amistad'?

• A story she read that was not taught in her education

• A family connection to the Amistad

• Her personal experience with slavery

• A request from Steven Spielberg

Who directed the movie 'Amistad'?

• John Quincy Adams

• Steven Spielberg

• Samuel Pier

• Debbie Allen

Who was Samuel Pier in relation to the Amistad revolt?

• The captain of the Amistad

• A lawyer for the captives

• The great great grandson of Sengbe Pieh

• A judge in the Supreme Court

What was the main argument made by John Quincy Adams in the Supreme Court?

• The ship was illegally captured

• The captives were American citizens

• The captives deserved freedom based on natural rights

• The captives were not guilty of any crime

In what year did the Amistad captives take their fight to the Supreme Court?

• 1839

• 1841

• 1850

• 1865

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court decision regarding the Amistad captives?

• They were sold into slavery

• They were imprisoned

• They were freed

• They were returned to Africa

What lesson did the Supreme Court decision on the Amistad case teach Americans?

• The power of the judiciary

• The importance of economic growth

• The need for stronger laws

• A moral lesson about good and evil

What was the reaction of the Amistad captives upon hearing the Supreme Court's decision?

• They celebrated and sang

• They planned an escape

• They were disappointed

• They appealed the decision

What significant action did Sengbe Pieh take on the Amistad ship?

• He contacted American abolitionists

• He negotiated with the captain

• He led a revolt and freed the captives

• He sabotaged the ship

What personal motivation drove Sengbe Pieh to fight for freedom?

• His ambition to become a leader

• His wish to start a new life in America

• His goal to become a lawyer

• His desire to return to his family