Nelson Mandela was put in jail for fighting apartheid, a law that allowed racial discrimination in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison before being released. Mandela became a leader by fighting for independence and representing the interests of the South African people. After his release, he won the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize and became South Africa's first elected black president for demonstrating the power of nonviolent protest during the anti-apartheid movement.

1. By: Dan Sharer

2. Essential Question Why was Nelson Mandela so significant?

3. How was Nelson Mandela treated in jail and why was he put in jail? Nelson Mandela was put in jail for fighting apartheid. Apartheid is a law that was passed, allowing you to discriminate. When Nelson Mandela was in prison he had to fight for independence. Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment, but then he was released by F.W. de Klerk.

4. How did Nelson Mandela become a good leader? Nelson Mandela became a good leader because he was fair and honest. Nelson Mandela was on the peoples side.

5. Why is this topic important to me? This topic is important to me, because he fought apartheid. Nelson Mandela was the first elected president.

6. What I already knew about this topic. I already knew Nelson Mandela was put in jail for fighting apartheid. I knew Nelson Mandela was the first elected president. Nelson Mandela used peaceful protest.

7. Important things I learned that I didn’t know before. Nelson Mandela won the 1993 noble peace prize.

8. What really stood out for me. Nelson Mandela was arrested for what he believed in. “Only free men; prisoners cannot enter into contracts”.

9. What questions do I have now? One question I have, is was it hard to just use peaceful protest?

10. 1.) http://www.nelsonmandela.org/index.php/memory/views/biography 2.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela 3.) http://baptism.co.nz/leader.pdf 4.) http://www.teacherfiles.com/free_word_art.htm 5.) http://www.anc.org.za/people/mandela.html 6.) http://encarta.msn.com/media_461577147/Nelson_Rolihlahla_Mandela_Quick_Facts.html Pictures 7.) http://www.antbear.de/images/nelson-mandela.jpg 8.) http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/nelson_mandela-fist_in_air.jpg