Essay/Term paper: Fight for freedom

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Papers

In 1839, Sengbe Pieh, who later became known as Cinque, was
captured and taken as a slave. He his sold several times until
eventually he comes into the hands of Spanish slave traders. Even
though at that time, every European nation had signed treaties declaring
slaves were no longer to be taken from Africa, the profits were so large
that many Europeans flouted the laws. Cinque and the rest of the slaves
then are loaded onto the ship and carried across the "middle passage" to
Cuba where they are sold to new masters. It is there that the Africans
have their names changed to conceal the fact that they were not born
into slavery, but freed men and women who were kidnaped into bondage.
In Cuba, fifty-three Africans board the Amistad which is bound for their
owners plantation near Puerto Principe. Rations are cut due to delays,
and the Africans are subjected to beatings and starvation. During a
storm, Cinque uses a nail he found to work free the lock holding his
iron collar on. After he frees himself, he then unlocks his comrades.
Cinque then has the Africans are themselves with knives being stored in
the cargo hold. Early the next morning, the Africans attack, killing
all the crew and passengers except for two who they command to sail the
ship back to Africa. The Spaniard did everything they could to delay
the trip, hoping to attract attention from other ships. Eventually the
Amistad sails into New England waters where it is captured by an
American warship. The Africans are then placed in jail until the
disposition is decided upon. Abolitionists take up their cause,
teaching the Africans English and how to read. Spain immediately
demands that the Africans be turned over so that the Africans can be
tried for piracy. The U.S. courts refuse to extradite and a lengthy
court battle begins. The U.S. administration backs the country of Spain
while the abolitionists do everything they can to raise support for the
Africans. When District Court Judge Judson determines that the Africans
were to be returned to Africa, the White House and Spanish authorities
immediately appeal. Eventually, the case comes before the U.S. Supreme
court where John Quincy Adams joins the defense team. The Supreme Court
upheld the district courts decision that the Africans were illegally
enslaved, and therefore entitled to fight for their freedom; however,
the U.S. administration refused to finance the trip back to Africa. The
necessary money was raised by the Amistad committee and the thirty-five
survivors were returned to their home country.