US History 2-13-15

Amistad Movie Questions

1. When Cinque calls upon his ancestors to come and help him in the hearing of the Supreme Court, he states that he was "the whole reason they have existed at all." What do you think he means by this? 

2. What did the Spanish Ambassador imply when he told President Van Buren "If you cannot rule the courts, you cannot rule?" 

3. President Van Buren's answer to this was, "It's the independence of our courts that keeps us free." What do you think of this statement and does the President act on it? 

4. The abolitionists are portrayed in an unflattering light in this movie. They are seen as fanatical zealots and the Africans look at the religious singers as miserably unhappy people who only sing and pray when action is what is needed. Do you agree with these comments? Why or why not? 

5. Explain what you see the abolitionists doing in this film with the concept of "bearing witness."

6. Who acted bravely in this film? What were their courageous acts? Give 

specific examples from the film to prove your point. 

7. Do you think that the Africans on La Amistad should have dealt peacefully with their anger or did they do the ethical thing in revolting even if that meant killing most members of the crew? Be specific. 

Map Activity 

Illustrate and label the sea journey/route that the La Amistad captives made from Africa via Cuba to the coast of Long Island in the United States of America where they ended up. On the map make sure you label the following as well: 

West Africa

Cuba

The 13 Colonies

Long Island, NY

The West Indies

Great Britian

Project: 

Research the effect that the slave trade within Africa had on the social and economic development of the countries of East and West Africa. Likewise research the effect that the slave trade from Africa had on the social and economic development of the Thirteen British colonies. Create a visual representation of your research findings; one side of your visual devoted to Africa and the other to the colonies. Compare and contrast the two effects on your visual. Be creative & cite the sources you used.

Use the link below for the research portion of the project.

https://www.landofthebrave.info/triangular-trade.htm

(effect that the slave trade within Africa had on the social and economic development of the countries of East and West Africa)

(effect that the slave trade from Africa had on the social and economic development of the Thirteen British colonies.)