Nelson Mandela was a South African nationalist and leader of the African National Congress, which began in the 1940’s. He helped bring an end to apartheid. As a member of the African National Congress party, he believed in non-violent disobedience. Boycotts, strikes, demonstrations, and the burning of the hated passes Africans were required to carry are examples of the non-violent disobedience they performed. All of these actions were similar to and influenced by the tactics that Gandhi had established in South Africa and used in India 20 years earlier. His actions led him to be imprisoned for twenty-seven years. He was charged with treason, sabotage, and conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid government of South Africa. He was then released