Modern History Notes

Nelson Mandela
Childhood
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918.
Since the time Mandela was born, he was exposed to a family of pride.
He was the first in his family to attend a school.
When his father died when Mandela was 9 years old, he was put under the
guardianship of the regent Jongintaba.
Mandela attended a Wesleyan School and College. He completed his Junior
Certificate in 2 years rather than 3 before moving to College in Fort Beufort.
He had an interest in running and boxing
While attending Fort Hare University (studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree)
Mandela met two men who became close friends and influences in his life
(Oliver Tambo and Kaiser Matanzima)
Mandela did not complete his degree at the time. After a year he became
involved with the student representative Council and their boycott against
university policies.
He ran away after refusing an arranged marriage proposal and completed his
degree (University of South Africa). He then moved to the University of
Witwatersand to study law, whilst there he met 3 people who would become
anti-apartheid activists Harry Shwarz, Joe Slovo and Ruth First.
Personal Life
Mandela had 3 wives, 6 children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great
grandchildren.
His first two wives left Mandela after they found his activism was keeping him
too busy for him to have time for them.
His 3
rd
wife is still married to him

Political Life
Mandela eventually became involved in the ANC (African National Congress)
after completing his degree.
Once involved in the ANC, Mandela and those who were with him took many
actions against the injustice of apartheid.
He eventually became the leader of the African National Councils. Here they
organized protests and sabotages to bring equality.
The Sharpeville massacre occurred on the 21 March 1960. It led to the armed
resistance in South Africa and created worldwide condemnation of Apartheid.
Mandela used military and government targets were bombed. Mandela had
no intention of physical harm but simply wanted to get the message across.
Prison Life
In 1960, Mandela was sentenced to nearly 27 years in prison.
Even whilst in prison, Mandela tried to help his people and stop apartheid.
Imprisonment made his reasons much stronger through adversity
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire began in 1299 and ended in 1922. The empire expanded into 3
continents including Asia, Africa and Europe. The first leader, Osman I, was the
creator of the empire. He was a brave and gracious leader whom helped the poor. He
ended up expanding their control of neighbouring settlements. Osman I, Orhan I and
Mehmet II were the first three leaders of the empire.
A Janissary was an infantry soldier in the Ottoman Empire. They were the first
professional standing army in Turkey. They were recruited by systematic abduction
of Christian youths from their families in the Devshirmeh system which raised them
as soldiers from a young age.
The battle of Constantinople was a battle led by Sultan Mehmed II, ruler of the Ottoman
Turks. The city was defended by 10,000 men and the Turks had between 100,000 to 150,000
men on their side. The siege lasted for fifty days and the Turks employed various war tactis
in taking over the city including the use of huge cannon.
The significance of Constantinople was that it opened trade between Europe and Asia.