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Navies Land Act
The Natives Land Act is passed, restricting black South Africans from owning or renting land outside of specific areas designated for their use. -
National Party Comes to Power
The National Party, led by Dr. Daniel François Malan, wins the general elections, and apartheid becomes official policy -
Defiance Campaign
Nelson Mandela, along with other ANC leaders, initiates the Defiance Campaign, a non-violent resistance movement against apartheid laws. -
Freedom Charter
The Congress of the People adopts the Freedom Charter, declaring that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and outlining principles for a democratic South Africa. -
Sharpeville Massacre
South African police open fire on a peaceful anti-passbook protest in Sharpeville, killing 69 people and injuring hundreds. -
Nelson Mandela is Arrested
Mandela is arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for incitement and leaving the country illegally. -
Rivonia Trial
Mandela and other ANC leaders are sentenced to life imprisonment during the Rivonia Trial for plotting to overthrow the government. -
Mandela is Released
Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years of imprisonment. -
Nobel Peace Prize
Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle apartheid peacefully. -
First Democratic Elections
Nelson Mandela becomes the first black President of South Africa in the country's first democratic elections.