The Zong Massacre Trials (1783, United Kingdom) — Questions and answers
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Why did Granville Sharp call what happened on the Zong "murder"?
Choices
- A. He thought the captain was mean.
- B. He heard people were thrown overboard for insurance money. ✓
- C. He didn't like the ship's name.
- D. He wanted to buy the lost property.
Answer: B. He heard people were thrown overboard for insurance money.
From page 2
How did Olaudah Equiano feel about how enslaved people were treated?
Choices
- A. He was happy they were considered valuable cargo.
- B. He felt they were treated fairly, like human beings.
- C. He was upset they were treated like objects, not people. ✓
- D. He thought they should be given more food.
Answer: C. He was upset they were treated like objects, not people.
From page 3
How did John Lee, the lawyer, describe the enslaved people in court?
Choices
- A. As brave adventurers.
- B. As valuable property. ✓
- C. As innocent passengers.
- D. As part of the crew.
Answer: B. As valuable property.
From page 4
Why did Robert Stubbs warn James Kelsall to remain silent?
Choices
- A. He thought James would tell funny jokes.
- B. He feared they would be ruined if they spoke the truth. ✓
- C. He wanted James to keep a secret map.
- D. He didn't want James to sing too loudly.
Answer: B. He feared they would be ruined if they spoke the truth.
From page 5
Why was Granville Sharp angry at John Lee?
Choices
- A. John Lee had taken his parking spot.
- B. John Lee was defending a terrible, cruel event. ✓
- C. John Lee was wearing a silly powdered wig.
- D. John Lee wouldn't share his legal documents.
Answer: B. John Lee was defending a terrible, cruel event.
From page 7
What shocking truth did James Kelsall tell in the courtroom?
Choices
- A. That the Zong was the fastest ship on the sea.
- B. That the people were thrown overboard to save money, not because they were dying. ✓
- C. That the captain was a very kind man.
- D. That the crew sang funny songs while working.
Answer: B. That the people were thrown overboard to save money, not because they were dying.
From page 8
How did Lord Mansfield describe the act of throwing people overboard, even if the law considered them property?
Choices
- A. As a perfectly fair action.
- B. As a very kind deed.
- C. As unacceptable. ✓
- D. As a fun and exciting event.
Answer: C. As unacceptable.
From page 9