Answer to Question #267372 in History for Kelsey Jand

Question

Read, highlight, and comment on the following excerpt:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

Answer 1

"I Am Prepared to Die" is the name given to the three-hour speech given by Nelson Mandela from the dock of the defendant at the Rivonia Trial. The speech is so titled because it ends with the words "it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die". The speech is considered one of the great speeches of the 20th century, and a key moment in the history of South African democracy.

His speech, which was made at the beginning of the defense case, ended with these words. The statement simply meant that he fighting for a democratic and fought it for the beneficial existence of all- whites and South Africans. Saying that he was prepared to die showed his determination to fight for democracy in South Africa even if it meant dying in the process.