Nelson Mandela Video Biography questions
1.   When was Nelson Mandela born?

2.   How old was Mandela when he began his British education?

3.   Who gave Nelson Mandela the name Nelson?

4.   After his father died, Mandela was sent to live with the leader of the Thembu people. 
      What did the leader of the Fenbu people do with Nelson? 
      (There are 3 parts to this answer).

5.   Why did Nelson run away to Johannesberg during a break from College?

6.   In 1941, what did Mandela come face to face with?

7.   What two 'languages' did Mandela bring together to create the 'language' of human
      rights?

8.   What did the ANC (African National Congress) aim to establish?

9.   The National Party were the Party of _______________?

10. What did the ANC adopt as an official policy?

11. In what year did the ANC launch their campaign for the defiance of unjust laws?

12. Nelson Mandela travelled South Africa in support of this campaign.  What was the
      National Party government's response?

13. What did Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo do together and what was their
      objective?

14. In what year was Nelson Mandela and 150 other activists arrested by the National
      Party government and charged with Treason?

15. How long did Mandela wait for his trial?

16. Who did Mandela meet whilst waiting for his trial?

17. What happened in 1960?

18. Mandela went underground and formed the 'Umkhonto we Sizwe'.  What did this stand
      for?

19. Mandela formed the 'Umkhonto we Sizwe' following Sharpeville, where 67 people were
      killed and more than 180 wounded.  What did Mandela realise after the events of
      Sharpeville?

20. Mandela travelled abroad to gain support for the cause.  What happened upon his
      return?

21. What was Mandela charged with whilst in prison?

22. Why did Mandela refuse to defend himself when he stood trial?

23. What sentence did Mandela receive and where was it to be served?

24. During the 1980's, several offers were made to release Mandela from prison but there
      was a condition.  What was the condition and what was Mandela's response?

25. What historic events occurred in 1990?

26. How old was Mandela when named the head of the ANC?

27. What was Mandela awarded in 1993 for his work to bring an end to apartheid?

28.  What happened in 1994, for the first time in more than 300 years?

29.  How old was Mandela when elected President of South Africa?

30.  What did Mandela do in 1999?

Famous Speeches
'I am the First Accused' 

Q1. What were pass laws?  How were they viewed by Africans? Why?

Q2. What did Mandela believe to be the secondary effects of poverty and breakdown of 
      family life, caused by legislation designed to preserve White supremacy?

Q3. Explain in your own words what the ideal was that Mandela was prepared to die for?


'Free at Last'
Q1. What did Mandela mean when he said 'this is a joyous night for the human spirit?'

Q2. Why was it Mandela's view that this was one of the most important moments in the life of South Africa?

1964 - A Life Sentence
'BBC On This Day' - Newspaper Article

Q1. How did Mandela and his co-defendants plead in their trial for sabotage?

Q2. Why did Mandela make the decision to plot to sabotage the South African State?

Q3. What were the judge's views regarding the defendants' motivation for planning sabotage?


'CBC News' - Radio Broadcast

Q1. What was the reasoning behind Patrick Keatley's view that Mandela and his
       co-defendants avoided the death penalty?

Q2. What did Patrick Keatley proclaim the verdict of world opinion to be?