The Amistad: The Mende Slave Revolt | Federal Judicial Center

Skip to main content

You are here

The Amistad: The Mende Slave Revolt

A group of enslaved Africans, who broke free of their captors, enter a federal court proceeding that will determine whether slave property rights are protected by federal law.

Famous Federal Trials

Learn about the case
Teaching Resources

by Bruce A. Ragsdale, Director, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center

Learn about the case — historical background and documents

View/Download PDF (823.66 KB)

Classroom Materials and Activities

Power Point Lecture (PowerPoint, 3.45 MB)

Student Handout (PDF, 35.75 KB)

Media Coverage of the Amistad Proceedings — A Primary Source Activity (PDF, 92.37 KB)

Slavery and Property Rights in the Amistad Case — A Simulation Activity (PDF, 116.17 KB)

Amistad and Dred Scott: Claims to Freedom from Slavery — A Comparative Activity (PDF, 132.24 KB)

Amistad: The Federal Courts and the Challenge to Slavery — A Document-Based Question (PDF, 74.72 KB)

Resources for Judges

The Amistad Case — Suggestions for Judges (PDF, 86.4 KB)