The Amistad

The Amistad was a Spanish slave ship in 1839 that was hijacked by enslaved Africans resisting their captivity. The captives, seeking freedom, took control of the ship but were later intercepted by U.S. authorities. The incident sparked a legal battle over their status—whether they were free or property—culminating in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. The court ultimately ordered the Africans’ release, recognizing their fight for freedom. The Amistad case became a symbol of resistance against slavery and contributed to the abolition movement in the United States.