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Nelson Mandela Essay

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Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time. His lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in his country won him the admiration of millions worldwide, as well as the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his nation. As the leader of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, Mandela was a key player in helping to move his country toward multiracial government and majority rule. Rolihlahla Mandela was born deep in the black homeland of Transkei on July 18, 1918. His first name could be interpreted as "troublemaker." A primary school teacher added the English name Nelson later. Mandela's childhood was peaceful, with days spend cattle herding and other rural pursuits, until death of …show more content…

Angry and impatient, the government mounted a massive treason trial against its main opponents, Mandela among them. It dragged on for five years, until 1961, ending in the non-guilty ruling of all 156 accused. However, by that time the country had been very agitated by the massacre of peaceful black demonstrators at Sharpsville in March 1960, and the government was intent on crushing all opposition. Most liberation movements, including the A.N.C., were banned. Earning a reputation as the Black Pimpernel, Mandela went underground for more than a year and traveled abroad to enlist support for the A.N.C. Soon after his return, Mandela was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island for five years; within months, practically all the leaders of the A.N.C. were arrested. Mandela was hauled from prison to face with them an almost certain death sentence. His statement from the dock was destined to smolder in the homes and servant quarters, and to burn in the conscience of the world: "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idel of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an idea that I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Without any attempt to find a legal

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