The Amistad Rebellion
Marcus Rediker, history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, talked about his book, The Amistad Rebellion: An Atlantic Odyssey of… read more
Marcus Rediker, history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, talked about his book, The Amistad Rebellion: An Atlantic Odyssey of Slavery and Freedom, in which he recounts the slave revolt aboard the Spanish schooner, Amistad in 1839. The author reported that four days after the ship set sail the captives revolted, killed the captain, and took command of the ship. The Amistad was eventually commandeered by the U.S. Navy and the men aboard were sent to prison in Connecticut, where they awaited a trail heard by the Supreme Court. Their case, defended by John Quincy Adams, resulted in their release and return to Africa. Mr. Rediker spoke at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia. close