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From Prisoner to President: The Extraordinary Journey of Nelson Mandela

Stephen King

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Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President (Step into Reading)

by Suzy Capozzi

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	41 pages

Nelson Mandela is one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. He spent 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid, the system of racial segregation that was in place in South Africa at the time. However, Mandela never gave up on his dream of a free and equal South Africa. He was released from prison in 1990, and four years later, he was elected president of South Africa.

Mandela's story is one of hope, courage, and reconciliation. He is an inspiration to people all over the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Mandela's Early Life

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa. His father was a chief, and his mother was a member of the Thembu royal family. Mandela was raised in a traditional African village, and he learned the values of respect, compassion, and courage.

In 1939, Mandela enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, where he studied law. He became involved in politics, and he joined the African National Congress (ANC),a political party that fought for the rights of black South Africans.

The Struggle Against Apartheid

In 1948, the National Party came to power in South Africa. The National Party introduced a system of apartheid, which segregated black South Africans from white South Africans. Black South Africans were denied basic rights, such as the right to vote, the right to education, and the right to own property.

Mandela and the ANC opposed apartheid, and they organized protests and demonstrations. In 1960, the government banned the ANC, and Mandela was arrested and charged with treason. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Mandela in Prison

Mandela spent 27 years in prison. He was imprisoned on Robben Island, a small island off the coast of South Africa. The conditions in prison were harsh, and Mandela was subjected to torture and abuse.

However, Mandela never gave up on his dream of a free and equal South Africa. He continued to work for the rights of black South Africans, and he became a symbol of hope for all those who were oppressed by apartheid.

Release from Prison

In 1990, Mandela was released from prison. He was 71 years old. The world had changed dramatically since he had been imprisoned, and apartheid was on the verge of collapse.

Mandela returned to South Africa, and he was greeted as a hero. He worked with the government to negotiate a peaceful transition to democracy. In 1994, South Africa held its first multi-racial elections, and Mandela was elected president.

Mandela's Presidency

Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black president of South Africa, and he worked to build a new, democratic South Africa.

Mandela's presidency was marked by reconciliation and forgiveness. He worked to bridge the divide between black and white South Africans, and he promoted the values of equality, justice, and peace.

Mandela's Legacy

Nelson Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95. He is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. He was a symbol of hope, courage, and reconciliation, and he inspired people all over the world.

Mandela's legacy continues to inspire today. He showed the world that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome injustice and build a better future.

Nelson Mandela: From Prisoner to President (Step into Reading)

by Suzy Capozzi

4.7 out of 5