Biography
Mandela spent 27 years in prison, was released in 1990, and led negotiations that dismantled apartheid. He served one term as president and stepped down.
Africa · 1951–1990
NM
Primary revolution
Nelson Mandela
Anti-Apartheid Struggle
ANC leader imprisoned for 27 years who became South Africa’s first president elected by all races.
Life
1918–2013
1918–2013
Place
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Years
1960–1994
1960–1994
Map
-26.2041, 28.0473
-26.2041, 28.0473
Revolution
Theme. Equality · End of apartheid
Key figures. Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu
Outcome. Apartheid laws were repealed and a non-racial constitution was adopted.
Casualties. Decades of police violence and township conflict killed many thousands.
Influence. The global reference for a liberation movement that ended in a negotiated democracy.