A Legal Slave Uprising? | United States v. The Amistad
I wrote a new book all about the Supreme Court. Order your copy here: amzn.to/45Wzhur or visit www.iammrbeat.com/merch.html.
For more about the Amistad Case, check out "Mutiny on the Amistad: The Saga of a Slave Revolt and Its Impact on American Abolition, Law, and Diplomacy" by Howard Jones, available here: amzn.to/2OhyMmM
In episode 37 of Supreme Court Briefs, a slave uprising on a ship called The Amistad leads it to the shores of the United States, where the Supreme Court eventually determines their fate.
This episode was suggested by my wonderful Patreon supporter Elcaspar! Want a specific SCOTUS case covered? Your idea gets picked when you donate on Patreon: / iammrbeat
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Produced by Matt Beat. All images and video used under fair use, original content, or found in the public domain. Music by Electric Needle Room (Matt Beat).
Check out cool primary sources here:
www.oyez.org/cases/1789-1850/...
Other sources used:
www.gilderlehrman.org/content...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...
caselaw.findlaw.com/us-suprem...
www.history.com/topics/amista...
www.law.cornell.edu/backgroun...
www.law.cornell.edu/backgroun...
www.virginia.edu/woodson/cours...
Photo credits:
DanTD
Havana, Cuba
June 27, 1839
A Spanish ship called The Amistad (ahmichad) leaves for the Province of Puerto Principe (prince e pay), another part of Cuba. On board, 53 illegally purchased African slaves. On July 2nd, one of the slaves broke free and freed others on the ship. Soon there was an uprising. After a big struggle that resulted in the deaths of the captain of the ship and at least three others, the slaves took over the ship, forcing two dudes named Jose Ruiz and Pedro Montez to redirect the ship across the Atlantic Ocean to Africa. Ruiz and Montez deceived the Africans, however, and ended up sailing the Amistad up the east coast of the United States, dropping anchor just off the coast of Long Island, New York, on August 26, 1839.
The United States Revenue Cutter Service...wait wait a second...What the heck is this organization? Well just think of them as the Coast Guard before the Coast Guard existed. Anyway, the United States Revenue Cutter Service, led by Americans Thomas Gedney and Richard Meade, arrested the Africans after they reached the shore and took custody of the Amistad. Gedney and Meade made sure the Africans were brought to Connecticut, since slavery was still technically legal in that state.
After President Martin Van Buren found out about them, he was like, send them back to Cuba to go on trial. Spain, who controlled Cuba at the time, was like “yeah, bring them here.” After all, the Amistad was a Spanish ship and Ruiz and Montez were Spanish citizens. Britain chimed in since they had a deal with Spain prohibiting the slave trade south of the equator and said that this slave uprising at sea fell under international law. But a bunch of abolitionists were ultimately able to pressure the United States government to keep the Africans in the country, and they got a trial in the District of Connecticut. Keep in mind that at the time, the slave trade was illegal in the United States. The Africans were charged with mutiny and murder.
In court, there were a lot of people involved and wanting stuff. First, Ruiz and Montez argued the Africans were slaves and their property. They also argued that since the slave trade was legal in Spain, they had a right to regain control of them. And then there was a lawyer representing Spain, who argued the the slaves rightfully be returned to Ruiz and Montez or sent back to Africa. The Africans, who were represented by an abolitionist group called the Amistad Committee, all argued that they were born free in their native Africa and unlawfully kidnapped to be sold as slaves. Plus, they landed in New York, where slavery was illegal. The Amistad Committee also accused Ruiz and Montez of assault, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. And then, Gedney, as well as several others who helped Ruiz and Montez “rescue” the “cargo,” aka Africans, argued they deserved a piece of the pie. They were like, we helped you get your slaves, so can we have a few? Another Spanish dude named Antonio Vega tried to get the captain’s personal slave, claiming he actually owned him. Whew. What a mess of a case.
The district court ruled that the Africans aboard the Amistad were unlawfully kidnapped, and ordered the U.S. government to return them to Africa. It was appealed by Martin Van Buren to the Circuit Court and then to the Supreme Court.
Пікірлер: 298
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i love how they tried to argue as if the Africans somehow imprisoned and enslaved themselves... yeah real smooth...
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That blew my mind when I read it.
@MHO999999
4 жыл бұрын
That was a ridiculous argument, can't beleive they actually did that.
@ilikedota5
4 жыл бұрын
@@iammrbeat I've read the entire argument, and I think I missed it. Do you have a citation?
@trueblade3636
4 жыл бұрын
Well Africans do have their fellow Africans enslaved to
@ilikedota5
4 жыл бұрын
@@trueblade3636 but not on the ships. The argument according to Mr. Beat was that they kidnapped themselves and placed themselves onto the slave ships, but I didn't quite see that argument. Might have been obfuscated by the older language.
As long as everyone involved in this case was trying to be as absurd as possible, I am surprised that no one tried to argue the the Africans were illegal aliens and should be deported.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Ha! Well they kind of did.
Funniest of it all, “Amistad” means Friendship in Spanish, such a friendly action to illegally sell slaves and later try to put them into trial for trying to free themselves.
What a weird case. I love it. Four parties, one being a lawyer for another country. Absolutely crazy set of events.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Agreed! I agree with justice Story. The whole thing was "peculiar and embarrassing."
Remember when the Supreme Court took decisions as a body rather than on partisan lines.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it does seem to be rather partisan today in the Court, which explains why so many people literally vote for a President for the justice nomination.
@Shardok42
6 жыл бұрын
Pepperidge Farms remembers.
@theluckyone3212
3 жыл бұрын
Ik I’m late but Stephen Breyer actually said in an interview, take not this was when Scalia was alive, that the court voted unanimously 40% of the time and only voted 5/4 25% of the time
John Quincy Adams is undoubtedly the president to have the coolest life after his term in office has ended
@defaultusername1145
Жыл бұрын
Jimmy carter had a cooler life post presidency
@glima519
Жыл бұрын
@@defaultusername1145 carter was cool, just not the "successfully argued before the SCOTUS for the freedom of dozens of escaped slaves" kinda cool
One of the few cases in the past where we can affirmatively say justice prevailed absolutely.
Quite a shame your Briefs don't do as well, I find them equally if not more informative than some of your other videos. Constitutional law is a tough subject to review and study but well worth the effort.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah. Sometimes it can indeed be difficult to take the dry opinions of old white dudes who died hundreds of years ago and make them accessible, which is why I like to focus on the ordinary people affected by these cases. Your support and kind words mean a lot!
O please don't stop the supreme court briefs!!!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That will never happen. I will eventually release them less frequently, though.
@TheVistastube
6 жыл бұрын
Mr. Beat Please do what's best for you, but that's still sad..
@shannonbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Srivatsan Sampath weekly videos are a lot of work but he loves making them.
Thanks for your well made and informative videos, Mr Beat!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Well thanks for your support!
It's amazing that Chief Justice Taney vote in support for The Amistad
@amarakanneh6628
9 ай бұрын
Which is crazier because the dude was about as racist as it gets. He voted against Dred Scott.
It is interesting that Taney voted for the Africans in this case, but voted differently in the Dred Scott v. Sandford.
@seneca983
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe the difference (in his mind) was that Scott had legally been a slave in the US.
@greatkentuckian9032
2 жыл бұрын
@@seneca983 True. These slaves were not even owned by Americans. So as cargo to an international group, the US had no say in the matter, and just let them be freed.
@seneca983
2 жыл бұрын
@@greatkentuckian9032 "the US had no say in the matter" That clearly wasn't a part the ruling.
"And if it means civil war... then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution." -John Quincy Adams (Anthony Hopkins)
Don’t worry about the views on these videos. True fans of the channel like these videos more than any other. Just the way the KZread algorithm is geared towards videos like “top 5 lists” those videos end up being recommended more often. But trust me, these videos are truly the most informative and entertaining series on your channel.
A shout out to Elcaspar, my wonderful Patreon supporter who suggested this case, and I'm glad he did. Do you want a specific SCOTUS case covered? Your idea gets picked when you donate at least $3 or more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/iammrbeat Edit: Well holy crap. Thanks for the 500 likes everyone! It looks like I'll be accepting the #inmyfeelingschallenge. Look for that livestream some time next week on my Facebook page. Edit(again): I did it: facebook.com/iammrbeat/videos/2105962636142330/
@kelvinpang438
6 жыл бұрын
Mr. Beat LOL,312 likes in 3 hours,thats why you never go so low when saying such challenges,especially if you get very few likes for your Vids on average cause people may like on mutiplr accounts too.
Wow! The briefs are my favorite part of your channel. That's why I subscribed. As for the lack of support , I just don't understand some people.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Good to know! Glad you dig them. :D
@zachary2407
6 жыл бұрын
Same^^
@pranavprakash4460
4 жыл бұрын
Everyone is wired differently. I personally agree with you but everyone has their subjects that they like and those that they don’t.
This case was decided during William Henry Harrison's presidency, making it arguably the most significant event of Harrison's very short time in office
The supreme court brief shows are some of my favorites. Bonus points if they are topical 4 current events.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah that always helps with engagement!
The Supreme Court briefs are the best, it's a shame not so much people get to see them, please keep them coming!
The supreme court briefs are my favorite part of your channel.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Well that's awesome to hear! :D
Please never stop making this show! It’s a perfect blend of being educational and interesting! Sometimes real life is just really fascinating and Supreme Court cases offer a treasure trove of fascinating history (both in good and bad decisions).
These videos are some of my favorite on YT. I find constitutional law fascinating, and you are one of the few people who do if justice. Your videos make my day. Please keep up the good work
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That means a lot, Joe. Thank you so much. And you said "justice." Pun intended? :D
@whodoobucrew2960
6 жыл бұрын
Mr. Beat Very much so. Got any recommendations for similar channels you enjoy?
@shannonbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Joe Bubenz check out Knowing Better, Stepback History, and Mr Betts Class
Had no idea this was a thing, thanks Mr Beat!
That one turned out well. Put my Friday on a good footing!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Heck yeah. Taney surprised me in this one!
Don’t work Mr. Beat, I watch every Supreme Court brief. I got your back Jack! Great work on each and every.
:D Joseph Story was my Great great great great great Grandfather! My mother's a Story.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Holy crap. What a Story! But seriously, what a story! That's awesome. He was one of the strongest justices we've ever had.
@dugroz
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your Story.
Great video! Also, nice board at the end
I love your videos Mr. Beat, keep going don't get discouraged! Great content like yours is what keeps me coming back!
Been binging your stuff for dayzzzz.
I love your brief series, keep 'em coming! Gave you a like so only 36 to go til DANCE TIME!
Man, these are the only videos of u that I watch, and I literally watch all of your Supreme Court briefs! So dude pls keep on doing them
@shannonbeat
6 жыл бұрын
reakwon693 thanks for watching!
Supreme Court Briefs are my favourite videos of yours
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That's so lovely to hear.
@EPluribusUnumYT
6 жыл бұрын
Meh, I liked his songs and PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY More
Thank you, I really appreciate these supreme court briefs. Although I was familiar with this one because of the movie about it, I really enjoy learning the history of court decisions.
I love your videos I am learning so much of America through your videos and Soth Park episodes as well.
please keep making videos...Its going to be special.
Once again Mr. Beat you made an awesome video!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! :D
I really love this series btw.
Thank you so much for doing the video. Can you also do: Miranda v. Arizona Tennessee v. Garner Castle Rock v. Gonzales
I just looked through your videos and saw that the Supreme Court brief videos don’t get as many views as your other videos. This I simply do not understand. These videos are AMAZING! I really hope these videos catch on because they’re amazingly entertaining and educational.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That means so much. Thank you!
When I first heard of the Revenue Cutter Service, I first thought it was just a fancy name for tax collectors
@seneca983
3 жыл бұрын
I think "cutter" is a type of ship.
I like the whiteboard at the end
Great video
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I cant be the only one waiting for this channel to blow up
Just found this. Liked. Subscribed. Alerted. Great stuff, man!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Welcome!!!
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
And thank you so much!
This Supreme Court Brief deserves a Netflix Special.
This US Supreme Court ruling was one of the few noteworthy events that happened during William Henry Harrison's month long Presidency,
Your supreme court briefs haven't been doing as well? That is sad, this is such a unique series. At least your other videos are also awesome.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Well that means a lot. Thank you!
President During this time: Martin Van Buren/William Henry Harrison Chief Justice: Roger B. Taney Argued February 22 - March 2, 1841 Decided March 9, 1841 Case Duration: 15 Days Decision: 7-1 in favor of The Amistad (Taney, Story, McKinley, Wayne, Thompson, McLean, Catron. Baldwin for US.)
It's seems like every time I hear more about John Q. Adams, the cooler he is
@parulrawat9893
Жыл бұрын
Sure thing pal
@no64256
Жыл бұрын
@@parulrawat9893 ?
@parulrawat9893
Жыл бұрын
@@no64256 I mean how can somebody hate this guy other than a Jackson supporter.. He and his father deserved more terms
@charliesarver
8 ай бұрын
@@parulrawat9893JQA was so good after his presidency that I don’t think it mattered. He ended up leaving a positive impact on our country anyways.
Just had a prager u ad which reduced my iq by 30%, so i have to watch a mr beat video to fix it. But now im even smarter than before. Thanks mr beat
I would love it if you did Schenck v. United States
Love these. Please do THEM ALL. Also your wife is super cute and I’m happy for you. Now get to work! Lol love you
Mr. Beat, can you cover Minor v. Happersett and Leser v. Garnett? Important SCOTUS decisions in the history of American women's suffrage.
ahhh I'm glad I've been binging these supreme court briefs bc I now finallyyyy know what movie we watched in 8th grade geography class years ago which I've been trying to remember for ages! the only thing I still knew was that a bunch of possibly enslaved africans arrived in the US and ended up being represented by john quincy adams
The movie was excellent and I recommend seeing it. *Amistad*
The Amistad movie is one of my favorites for sure.
I love how at the beginnning the ship is moving backwards, It's just funny lol
fancy seeing Taney here
Still love the intro.
I was on a "full scale" replica of this boat in Greenport Long Island 2 weeks ago, you would not believe how small she is.
"Is that legal?" "I will make it legal."
Wait wait wait.... *Taney* sided with the _Amistad_ slaves?!
I find it very ironic that Roger Taney voted in favour of the Africans in this case, but years later he would post the Majority Opinion on the infamous Dred Scot Case, where he very much voted against someone trying to get their freedom from Slavery
Do Paul v. Virginia next Mr.Beat
I look forward to the dance. MEWHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.
The end of the video was so cute :).
I love your reader's digest version of the Amistad Case. But I have to clear up a few points about their stay in Connection. When the ship was captured off Montauk Point Long island. Then the ship was brought to New London, Connecticut and docked behind the New London Custom House to see if a crime was committed either by the Amistad Africans or Spanish Cubans. The ship Amistad was impounded with all it's cargo by the Custom House. Except the Amistad Africans were transferred to New Haven to wait trial to see if they were guilty or innocent of murder and mutiny. There first trial was in Hartford, CT at the Old State House. Where the Amistad Africans represent by Roger Sherman Baldwin were found innocent of charges. The Queen of Spain, the Spanish government and Martin Van Buren request a new trial. Martin Van Buren was up for reelection. He wanted to get the support of the slave states. But as you know he lost the election to William Henry Harrison. The final trial was at the Supreme Court in Washington DC with representation by John Quincy Adams were they also were found innocent of all charges and were set free from jail in New Haven, CT. The Amistad Africans were taken to Farmington CT by abolitionist to live until enough funds were raised so a ship could take them back to their homeland around Sierra Leone. There is more to Amistad Africans story, so do your own research, it's interesting.
Wow! Slaves earn the right to not be called slaves and to go back home in the 1840s! That's astounding!
@vanyadolly
3 жыл бұрын
And only because they were able to free themselves and kill their captors. Depressing to think of how many were in the same situation and didn't get as lucky.
A realy weird case but one with a good ruling
"Amistad" translates to "Friendship"........The "ship" was a vessel of "friends".
I cannot believe what happened at 3:56
It’s going to happen with rsa as well
Thanks this video helped my whole grade 7 grade. So I have subscribed liked etc. Nice child by the way.
Interesting that Roger Taney, James Wayne, and John Catron all ruled in favor of the Amistad but against Dred Scott. Only John McLean ruled in favor of both the Amistad and Dred Scott. I wonder why?
It is upsetting that I have never heard of this case before. Thanks Public Schools
small nitpick, 13th didn’t abolish slavery just slavery without being convicted of a crime
This would make a great 1970 movie
The movie they made was great too.
You should talk to guys at complexly! aka hank green or someone works for him. I got to your channel because of his video about the court system. I'm sure he would promote what you're doing.
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
That is awesome. Wait he promoted it?!? I actually met Hank in June.
@XiaosChannel
6 жыл бұрын
Mr. Beat The U.S. Federal Court System: kzread.info/head/PLrrb6Kww-RX1XX82FSpJGVna8Nx7yTADc
Please do Omaha vs. Des Moines
peculiar and embarrassing is such an appropriate description
do portland and portland!!!!!
Like this video everyone. Let him dance!! 💃
I have actually seen the ship its at mystic seaport if i recall correctly
crazy
Oh Mr bent
This was such a freaking azycray case.
I hit the like, I hope I'm not too late 🤔
How does Roger Taney go from voting with the majority in this case to writing the Dredd Scott decision?
i hope you get lots of likes since i only watch the briefs also you have a beautiful family god bless all of you p.s.can't wait for the dance hey you can have the animations dancing with you lol
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
I can try! And thanks so much for the kind words!
That's weird anyway... How can slavery be legal, but kidnapping not? Like... How did the legal system excuse that?
@mnm1273
2 жыл бұрын
well the initial arguments were generally based around arguing black people weren't humans. Racism was key in the slave trade as it both (in part) caused and "justified" their actions.
Please discuss the legal case for or against reparations for the descendants of slaves, thanks.
One question I have: In the end you said that they were returned to Sierra Leone, were they originally from their or did they just figure any part of Africa would do
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
No, as I understand it, they were from Sierra Leone
@christiandevey3898
6 жыл бұрын
well that's good
Yo I watched the movie and dang it’s good
5:10 I this why its called "the peculiar institution?"
What a strange vote for Taney, considering his later vote and opinion in _Dred Scott._
Give us, us free
The Africans aboard were lucky their leader Joseph Cinque was reasonably well-educated and was able to testify effectively at the trial.
Why did your video about the differences between Vermont and New Hampshire get taken down?
@iammrbeat
6 жыл бұрын
Somebody made a false copyright claim which I am still fighting. Actually, the gentleman who made the claim retracted, but #youtube STILL has not put the video back up. It's really annoying, and has frankly made me really anxious ever since.
@TASprocudtions454
6 жыл бұрын
Here’s hoping you come out on top! Nobody messes wi h Mr. Beat and gets away with it!