Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa and earned his law degree from the University of South Africa. He joined the African National Congress party led by Anton Lembede to fight against apartheid, using protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. Mandela was imprisoned for over 20 years for treason but was later elected president of South Africa and outlawed apartheid, earning international recognition including the Nobel Peace Prize.

1. Nelson Mandela

2. Growing Up Born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mvezo Earned the name Nelson at a local mission school. His real name “Rolihlahla” literally means “pulling the branch of a tree”.

3. Education After primary schooling, he attended several colleges to further his education. Earned his bachelors degree in law at the University of South Africa. Starts to become interested in Politics

4. The ANC Joins with other Africans to form the African national congress or ANC led by Anton Lembede. Other members are Walter Sisulu, Oliver R. Tambo, and William Nkomo.

5. Resistance to Apartheid Started By breaking curfew laws. Strikes, civil disobedience and boycotts were all used to pressure the Apartheid Government.

6. Trials and Prison Put on trial for high treason Sentenced to life in prison. Transferred to Robben Island in 1963.

7. Prison years Works with hard labor and no outside visitors His mother and son die His family suffers

8. Later Achievements Elected president of new South Africa within five years of release Earns Nobel Peace Prize Outlaws Apartheid