Fiveable
Fiveable

Nelson Mandela

Definition

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is known for leading the fight against segregation and apartheid in South Africa.

Analogy

Imagine Nelson Mandela like a gardener trying to grow beautiful flowers (a free and fair society) in soil filled with weeds (apartheid). Despite many obstacles, he never gave up until he saw blossoms - symbolizing freedom and equality - bloom across South Africa.

Related terms

Apartheid: A policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race, implemented by the National Party government in South Africa between 1948 and 1994.

Robben Island: An island off the coast of Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years during apartheid.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: A court-like body assembled in South Africa after the end of apartheid to hear victims and perpetrators of human rights violations during the period.



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.