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Rolihlahla (Nelson) Mandela born, in South Africa.
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School teacher calls him Nelson.
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Began attending African National Congress (ANC), a revolutionary group that fought apartheid (laws enforcing racial separation and oppression in South Africa).
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Started law school at University of the Witwatersrand.
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Helped found the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). Married Evelyn Ntoko Mase (they had 4 children).
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Arrested for treason - later acquitted.
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Divorced Evelyn then married Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela (they had 2 children).
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The ANC is banned.
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Sentenced to life in prison (with other ANC friends) for his revolutionary actions.
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Released from prison on February 11 after 27 years behind bars. Apartheid repealed.
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Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (with F. W. de Klerk).
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Elected president of South Africa. Served until 1999 (Mandela refused a second term). Published his autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom."
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Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed (chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
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Divorced Winnie
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Married Graça Machel (on July 18, his 80th birthday).
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Mandela's second book, "Conversations with Myself", is published.
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Died on December 5 at age 95.