Born Rolihlahla Mandela in rural Transkei. He was given his
English name, Nelson, by a teacher at his school. Mandela is widely known in South Africa by his clan name, Madiba.
APRIL, 2 1944
Co-founded the Youth League of the anti-apartheid African National Congress (ANC)
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1944
Co-founded the Youth League of the anti-apartheid African National Congress (ANC)
DECEMBER 1956
Mandela, along with other resistance leaders charged with high treason, though charges were dropped four years later
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DECEMBER 1956
Mandela, along with other resistance leaders charged with high treason,
though charges were dropped four years later
APRIL, 8 1960
The government bans the ANC.
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APRIL, 8 1960
The government bans the ANC.
MARCH, 1962
Leaves country secretly and goes for military training in Algeria.
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MARCH, 1962
Leaves country secretly and goes for military training in Algeria. Upon returning, is arrested and sentenced to five years for incitement to strike and illegally leaving the country.
OCTOBER, 1963
While serving 5-year sentence, Mandela is charged with conspiracy and sabotage
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OCTOBER, 1963
While serving 5-year sentence, Mandela is charged with conspiracy and sabotage
JUNE 12, 1964
Mandela and seven others are sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, off Cape Town.
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JUNE 12, 1964
Mandela and seven others are sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben
Island, off Cape Town.
FEBRUARY 11, 1990
F W de Klerk, South Africa's last white president, lifts ban on ANC and other liberation movements, beginning the process of ending apartheid
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FEBRUARY 11, 1990
F W de Klerk, South Africa's last white president, lifts ban on ANC and other liberation movements, beginning the process of ending apartheid. Mandela is freed on February 11.
FEBRUARY 1, 1991
de Klerk announces repeal of the remaining apartheid laws, including those reserving most of the country's land for the white minority.
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FEBRUARY 1, 1991
de Klerk announces repeal of the remaining apartheid laws, including those reserving most of the country's land for the white minority.
OCTOBER 16, 1993
Wins Nobel Peace Prize with de Klerk
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OCTOBER 16, 1993
Wins Nobel Peace Prize with de Klerk
MAY 10, 1994
Mandela is inaugurated in Pretoria as South Africa's first black president.
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MAY 10, 1994
Mandela is inaugurated in Pretoria as South Africa's first black president.
JUNE 14, 1999
Retires, hands power to Deputy President Thabo Mbeki
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JUNE 14, 1999
Retires, hands power to Deputy President Thabo Mbeki
