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Watershed Event Research Paper

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The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines “watershed” as “a time when an important change happens.” A watershed event can be described as an event marking an important change of course, often times one on which important changes and developments depend. It is often referred to as a “turning point.” The watershed event that I have researched is the end of apartheid. Apartheid is an Afrikaans word, meaning "the state of being apart.” Apartheid was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. This system was enforced by the NP (National Party,) the party that governed the nation from 1948-1994. When this system was in effect, the residents of South Africa were divided by their race, and forced to live apart from each other. Under apartheid, …show more content…

This quote really stood out to me: “Mandela will be remembered as a man who went beyond the call of duty. He showed his fellow countrymen that it was possible — perhaps even imperative — to forgive one's enemies. Mandela led by example, inspiring South Africa's political and racial rivals to work together to build a democracy. Mandela was such a powerful leader during apartheid that the white minority government considered him a threat to the state, even from prison.” This quote really sums up who Nelson Mandela was and what he stood for. He was a powerful leader that helped end an unjust system that had been in place for many …show more content…

However, while the segregation laws were no longer in effect, racism was still quite prominent in the nation. While the laws changed, many people’s ways of thinking unfortunately did not. Even though people of different races were no longer living apart from each other and using separate public facilities, that did not change people’s views. But although progress was slow, it was still happening. South Africa has come along way since the days of apartheid, and although there is still a long way to go, it is clear that significant change has occurred due to this watershed

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