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Birth
Nelson Mandela, or Rolihlahla Mendela at the time, was born July 18,1918 in Transkei -
Attends Primary School
Here, his teacher Miss Mdingane gives him the name, "Nelson", as the teachers gave all the children more "Christian" names -
Father Passes away
Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, Mandela's father, passed away from an unknown illness in 1930, although Mandela recalls it being in 1927. -
Gets Adopted
Although his mother was still alive, after his father passed away, Nelson was adopted by Jongintaba Dalindyebo, a royal Thembuian who wanted great success in politics for young Rolihlahla -
Runs Away from Home
After learning that the King of Mqhekezweni, his adopted guardian, had set up an arranged marriage for him, Nelson runs away to Johannesburg. -
Arrives in Johannesburg
Mandela arrives in Johnannesburg. There, he worked as a security officer for a mine. -
Attends University of South Africa
There, he receives his B.A. -
Gets Married -- 1st Time
He marries Evelyn Mase, an ANC activist who was, at the time, training to be a nurse -
Attends, but leaves University of Waterstand
He left without graduating, although his intention was to earn a L.L.B. -
Arrested
Mandela was arrested in a "country-wide swoop" for people who have committed treason -
Liberation Movments were banned
This included the A.N.C. -
Aqquitted
He and 156 others were acquitted from this trial -
Arrested for helping the A.N.C.
He spent 27 years in different prisons such as Robben Island and Pollsmore Prison. There he took time to give speeches about topics that weren't really talked about, completed his LLB and became a respected figure in activism. -
De Klerk called for a Meeting
This meeting discussed legalizing ANC and freeing Mandela. -
President F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on ANC
Along with this, he announced Mandela's imminent release. -
Released from Prision
De Klerk, the current president, met with Mandela and realized how much they had needed him and the amount of work he could help do if he was out of prison. -
Gets Inaugrated as Presidant of South Africa
He won with a 62% vote, just 4% shy of 2/3 majority, which is what he officially needed to be elected into office -
Retires from Presidency
Mandela Retires and, in the years to come, "retires" from social activities and public speaking as well. -
Death
Mandela passed away after a repertory infection when he was 95 years old. In his lifetime, he created so many opportunities and many brave stances on many things that weren't talked about.