Lesson
Justice: John Quincy Adams and The Amistad
Why did John Quincy Adams act as the defense attorney for the Africans on The Amistad? Discuss Adams’ role in the case and determine ways students can protect justice themselves.
Founding Principles
Virtues
Guiding questions
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- What was John Quincy Adams’ role in The Amistad case? Did this case alter or strengthen his identity? How so?
- What was Adams’ purpose as the attorney for the Africans?
- What does the purpose of Adams’ role in the case say about his identity?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
Learning objectives
- Students will evaluate John Quincy Adams’ role in The Amistad case.
- Students will understand the importance of protecting justice to advance freedom.
- Students will determine ways in which to safeguard justice in their own lives.
