Nelson Mandela Video Biography questions
1. When was Nelson Mandela born?
Nelson Mandela was born July 18th 1918
2. How old was Mandela when he began his British education?
seven
3. Who gave Nelson Mandela the name Nelson?
His primary school teacher
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).
The tribal cheif let Mandela sit in on council meetings, attend the finest schools and grew Nelson for leadership.
5. Why did Nelson run away to Johannesberg during a break from College?
In order to avoid an aranged marridge
6. In 1941, what did Mandela come face to face with?
The brutal reality of a racially divided South Africa
7. What two 'languages' did Mandela bring together to create the 'language' of human
rights?
A deep historical language and the language of the law.
8. What did the ANC (African National Congress) aim to establish?
Establish a democratic government.
9. The National Party were the Party of _______________?
Apartheid
10. What did the ANC adopt as an official policy?
Non-violent civil disobedience
11. In what year did the ANC launch their campaign for the defiance of unjust laws?
1952
12. Nelson Mandela travelled South Africa in support of this campaign. What was the
National Party government's response?
Too steps to restrict his movements
13. What did Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo do together and what was their
objective?
Set up a law firm to reprisent the black population of South Africa
14. In what year was Nelson Mandela and 150 other activists arrested by the National
Party government and charged with Treason?
1956
15. How long did Mandela wait for his trial?
4 years
16. Who did Mandela meet whilst waiting for his trial?
His second wife Winnie
17. What happened in 1960?
The ANC was outlawed and Mandela went underground
18. Mandela went underground and formed the 'Umkhonto we Sizwe'. What did this stand
for?
Spear of the Nation
19. Mandela formed the 'Umkhonto we Sizwe' following Sharpeville, where 69 people were
killed and more than 180 wounded. What did Mandela realise after the events of
Sharpeville?
Non-violent non-cooperation will not work, and the white government will only listen to violence.
20. Mandela travelled abroad to gain support for the cause. What happened upon his
return?
He was arrested and charged with treason and given a life sentance.
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?
A democratic election was held in South Africa
29. How old was Mandela when elected President of South Africa?
84
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?