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Long Walk to Freedom

Essay by   •  November 18, 2012  •  Essay  •  651 Words (3 Pages)  •  2,884 Views

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"Long Walk To Freedom." A determination set by one man, changing his home, South Africa.

In 1994, Nelson Mandela became a member of the African National Congress (ANC). The African National Congress was created to bring millions together that are struggling for liberation and to rebuild a better life for one another. Nelson was engaged in the resistance against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies after 1948. Nelson proposed the use of violent tactics within the ANC. In 1964, Nelson and others were found guilty of trying to take over the government. All eight were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Even in prison, he still maintained his position of apartheid. He was able to smuggle out political statements and an autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," eventually published in 1995, about his hardships in prison. "Through his intelligence, charm and dignified defiance , he eventually bent even the most brutal prison officials to his will, assumed leadership over his jailed comrades and became the master of his own prison" as stated from The Prisoner at www.pbs.org. All of these qualities helped him to become a great leader. Oliver Tambo, a political supporter, started a campaign called "Free Nelson Mandela." "As pressure mounted, the government offered Mandela his freedom in exchange for various political compromises, including the renouncement of violence and recognition of the "independent" Transkei Bantustan, but he categorically rejected these deals" as stated from www.history.com. Nelson Mandela showed his conviction by standing strong in his position. As shown from the statement above, Nelson's imprisonment has changed the government's environment by making the government feel like if Mandela isn't released then violence and other harmful actions may occur.

In 1982, life changed for Mandela. He was released from prison and put under house arrest. The next year, the new President of South Africa lifted the banned on ANC, and joined Mandela in his desires for a nonracist South Africa. February 11, 1990, the President ordered Nelson Mandela to be released. He began his work by leading the ANC towards the end of apartheid and through this earned Mandela and de Klerk the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 on behalf of all South Africans who suffered and sacrificed. In 1994, Mandela and the ANC started a campaign for the first all-race election. The ANC won a majority and on May 10, 1994, Mandela was sworn in as the first black President of South Africa. While President, he has improved black African lifestyles and created a new form of government for South Africa. The government is based on majority rule and guaranteed rights of minorities and freedom of expression.

Mandela retired in 1999, but has continued to help people. Mandela started his own foundation to build schools along with clinics in rural

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