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The ANC and Nelson Mandela's Contributions to Ending Apartheid

Decent Essays

“In my country we go to prison first and then become President”. Nelson Mandela along with the ANC made what seemed impossible a reality. In this essay you will find out how the ANC was successful against Apartheid. I will also inform you about Nelson Mandela, and before and after the apartheid.

Black Africans after WWII ended in 1945 were so proud that they helped stop racism in Nazi Germany, but the the battle was only beginning for these people as work had to be done in their own country. Any coloured person was sent to live in what was called “ghettos” were the living conditions were poor. Nelson Mandela was no different.

From a young age Nelson had a vision of right , wrong and equality. This was demonstrated early when …show more content…

During his time studying he felt more deeply about the apartheid.

After the Shapeville massacre where many blacks were killed. Nelson created the MK which was the military side of the ANC. He arranged training for the soldiers, and launched a sabotage campaign against the government. This action saw Nelson being arrested and imprisoned for the next 28 years of his life. During this time the ANC continued and Nelson continued to support the ANC.

When he arrived at Robben Island he refused to do what the guards ordered. He organised a hunger strike for better living conditions which he won. While Nelson was imprisoned he was offered freedom if he stopped his violent actions, he was a strong man who believed in his cause, so he refused this offer and continued to fight for equality.

After his release from prison in 1990 Nelson was made Deputy President of the ANC. After 30 years of fighting the ANC choose to stop their armed battles. July 1991, Nelson was appointed President of the ANC, which prompted him getting to government to help negotiate South Africa's future. Finally after 30 years everyone came to agree on a majority constitution, stating that racial discrimination was illegal, therefore ending apartheid.

With out Nelson Mandela's idea of fighting instead of working with the government South Africa could have been no different today as it was back then. Its amazing to think he

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