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First Birthday
Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, into the madiba clan on July 18, 1918. His mother, Nonqaphi Nosekeni and his father, Nkosi Gadla Mandela, raised him in their secluded village, where his father was a local chief. Nelson Mandela's father passed away in 1930, leaving Mandela a guard of the Great Palace at age 9. This new responsibility proved to be important for Mandela's future because it was his first taste of leadership and National Pride. (Benson 12) -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was one of the worst economic disasters ever faced by the industrialized world. Beginning in October 1929, a stock market crash sent many into a panic and cause investors to go under. Over the next 10 years, consumer spending greatly decreased and extreme declines in production and employment as companies being affected by the poor economy were forced to fire employees. (History.com) -
Schooling
Mandela attended primary schooling and later graduated from Clarkebury Boarding Institute. He attended University College of Fort Hare, where he began studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, Mandela did not complete his schooling due to a sudden expulsion, which resulted from Mandela joining a student protest. His expulsion is important because it is the beginning of Mandela's political activism and defending of his country. (History.com) -
World War II
World War II, a massive international conflict, broke out only 10 years after the first world war and proved to be even more devastating that the first. As Germany rose to power, so did Adolf Hitler's rule and his National Socialist Party, resulting in international tensions and an eventual breakout of war across the world, as Hitler's party began attacking minorities, especially Jewish citizens. Over 60 million people were killed during WWII, 6 million of them Jews. (History.com) -
African National Congress
Soon after Mandela's expulsion, he becomes a member of the African National Congress, a leading organization fighting for black equality. During this time, the National Party, a political party dominated by white citizens, is elected and institutes an apartheid system. This system allowed for complete racial segregation and remained in place for over 45 years. This is significant because Nelson Mandela spent the rest of his life fighting the apartheid system that is initiated. (Beck 78) -
Defiance Campaign
Nelson Mandela becomes leader of the Defiance Campaign and begins to heavily encourage the irradication of racial segregation laws. However, Mandela's activism was put to a stop in 1952, when he was convicted under the Suppression of Communism act and was banned from attending political gatherings. This is important because it is the first time, but certainly not the last, that Mandela will be convicted of a crime against his country. (Benson 56) -
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil RIghts Movement was a struggle for social justice and equality during the 1950's and 1960's in the United States. African American citizens fought to gain their rights under United States law and were tired of enduring constant discrimination and violence. This new movement sparked many changes with many laws in the U.S and in 1964, the Civil RIghts Act was passed, guarenteing equal employment for all. (History.com) -
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was an extremely costly war between the communist North Vietnam and South Vietnam, along with their ally, The United Sates. Over 3 million people were killed during the VIetnam War, with 58,000 of these deaths being American, while a good majority were Vietnamese citizens. The war ended with the communist North Vietnam seizing South VIetnam, creating the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. (History.com) -
The First Treason Trial
Arrested and charged with treason, Mandela and 150 others faced persecution for their political advocacy against the apartheid. The trial lasted for four years until all defendents were found innocent in 1960. This is significant because it is not the last time Mandela will be accused of treason, showing his dedication towards his country and it's people. (History.com) -
The Riviona Trial
In 1961, now free from any government persecution, Mandela began studying guerilla warfare in preparation for armed protests against the South African government. After 17 months on the run, Mandela is found and arrested. Nelson Mandela and 7 others were charged with sabotage, treason, and conspiracy and were sentenced to life in prison on Robben island. This is important because Mandela will spend the next 27 years in prison for a crime done for his county. (Mandela 203) -
Mandela Goes to Jail
Mandela was confined to Robben Island, from 1962 to 1982, along with several others, forced to live alone in a small cell with no toilet and no bed. Mandela stayed on Robben Island until he was moved to the mainland, where he spent the rest of his jail time until his release in 1990. Mandela's time in jail proved to be extremely significant because he quickly became a rallying point for the oppressed Africans in South Africa and the most famous political prisoner. (BBCnews.com) -
Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, U.S. and the Soviet Union participated in a 13-day military and political standoff, over the installation of nuclear weapons in Soviet Cuba. A national address from President John F. Kennedy notified Americans of this issue, and it was made clear that the United States would be forming a naval blockade around Cuba. Many citizens feared nuclear war, but the problem was resolved after Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev, agreed to remove the missiles. (History.com) -
Mandela's Release
In 1989, F.W. de Klerk became the South African president and made it his mission to dismantle apartheid. Klerk lifted the ban on the African National Congress that had been put in place earlier, and released Nelson Mandela from prison. This is significant because he was greeted as a hero when he left prison, a symbol for so many of peace and equality, something the people of South Africa needed most. -
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize of 1993 was awarded to both Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk for their work in ending the apartheid regime and laying the foundations of a peaceful South Africa. This is significant because Mandela was finally recognized for his work and bringing attention to the racial issues in South Africa. (NobelPrize.org) -
Presidental Inauguration
Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. He worked throughout his presidency to incorporate racial diversity within the South African government. This is important because Nelson Mandela set an example for how the government should be run in South Africa, becoming a symbol of peaceful and effective rule. (History.com) -
September 11, 2001
On September 11, 2001, four American airplanes were hijacked in an attempt to carry out a suicide mission by Islamic terrorist group, Al-Qaeda. Two planes were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third hit the pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Over 3,00 people were killed during this attack, leading many Americans to request action against terrorist groups. (History.com) -
Mandela's Death
Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, from a reaccuring lung issue. Mandela stood for many things, including the idea that one race should not be held above another, an idea that had him thrown in jail for. He was a symbol of hope for the people of South Africa and around the world, and will forever be remembered as a man who fought for what was right. (History.com)
