Nelson Mandela Research Paper

Nelson Mandela: Most Influential Leader of 20th Century In regards to influential leadership, few people stand out in a manner such as Nelson Mandela. Mandela was known for being an activist that helped bring an end to the apartheid and has been a global advocate for human rights as well as the former president of South Africa. As a member of the African National Congress party, he rose as a leader of protests against the racially divided white minority repressive regime in South Africa. After spending upwards of three decades in prison and leading his country to unification he became a global symbol for hope, justice, and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela’s active role in politics and rise to becoming the most influential leader of his time

Mandela’s role in fighting apartheid even during his imprisonment is where he became a symbol of the struggle of oppressed people around the world and his ability to guide South Africa through its resurrection earned him the international reputation as a famed negotiator and peacemaker. Even during his incarceration Mandela remained the face for the anti-apartheid movement and even had a campaign started for him called the “Free Nelson Mandela” campaign that fueled the international cry for his release and the end of the apartheid regime. Nelson Mandela was so immensely dedicated to his cause and his beliefs that he declined various offers by the government for his freedom in exchange for political compromises to his cause. It was not until newly elected president F. W. de Klerk took office that he demanded Mandela’s release and demanded for a nonracist South Africa. Mandela came out of prison in 1990 conveying no resentment against his tormentors. Instead, he took the path of reconciliation among South Africa's divided races, advocating for the rebuilding of the nation and a cooperative government. Nelson Mandela led the ANC in its negotiations with the governing National Party and other political organizations in an effort to finally end the apartheid and establish a new government, a multiracial one. Though they were burdened with tension and political instability, their talks earned Mandela and de Klerk the Nobel Peace Prize in December