Student Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 23: Africa and the Middle East

Nelson Mandela

Introduction

Although South Africa became independent from colonial rule in 1910, black South Africans did not gain their freedom until the end of apartheid. During his 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela became a symbol of apartheid oppression. He emerged to become the leader of post-apartheid South Africa. In this activity students will read about the many struggles of his life.

Lesson Description
Students will go to a Web site that contains a biography of Nelson Mandela. They will read the information and answer four questions based on what they have read. Students will then write three entries in an imaginary diary of Mandela, covering different stages of his life.

Instructional Objectives

The learner will be able to summarize Mandela's life.

The learner will write three entries in an imaginary diary of Mandela, covering different stages of his life.

Student Web Activity Answers

Mandela’s father was the principal counselor to the Acting Paramount Chief of the Thembu. After his father died, Mandela became the ward of the Paramount Chief and he was raised in the royal household.

The ANC Youth League drafted a policy called the Program of Action, which advocated mass strikes, boycotts, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation.

In 1952 Mandela was elected Volunteer–in–Chief for the ANC's Campaign for the Defiance of Unjust Laws. Mandela then started a law office with Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg to represent blacks persecuted by the South African government.

Mandela led Umkhonto we Sizwe (The Spear of the Nation), known as MK.

Students' diary entries will vary but should include detailed descriptions of events based on their readings.