Nelson Mandela faced many obstacles at home and abroad. Many had wondered why the South African government had tolerated people openly defying them and campaigning against them for so long. Finally, in 1956, they were answered. Mandela and 155 others were “arrested and put on trial for high treason.” Specifically, their arrest was for going to the Congress of the People. The government used the protests as an excuse to arrest Mandela. Mandela was eventually acquitted, but this event marked a string of unjustified arrests. He would eventually spend a total of 27 years in prison (Treason Trial 1956-1961). These arrests greatly inhibited his freedom campaign. In 1961, Mandela had been exiled from South Africa. When he returned he was promptly …show more content…
Mandela was a leader in anti-apartheid campaigning. When he joined the ANC, Mandela drastically changed the leadership. Mandela founded the African National Congress Youth League which used more radical methods such as civil disobedience and strikes. After just six years Mandela was elected as the president of the ANCYL. Then, in 1991, Mandela was elected the president of all of the ANC. Finally, in 1993, apartheid was abolished. In the same year, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Even after the eradication of apartheid Mandela still fought for freedom (10 Major Accomplishments of Nelson Mandela). In 1994, Mandela was elected as president of South Africa (The Nelson Mandela Presidency - 1994 to 1999). These achievements are not something that just anybody can get. Even with so many people trying to stop Mandela, he still completed his goal. This shows that Mandela was extremely dedicated to his cause. The African National Congress, which Mandela was greatly associated with also accomplished many great things. For ten decades the African National Congress has led the struggle against racism and oppression, organising mass resistance, mobilising the international community and taking up the armed struggle against apartheid (What is the African National Congress?). Nelson Mandela organized protests with the ANC, caused public uprising, and stirred the masses to fight against