What year marked the release of Nelson Mandela from prison?

The year Nelson Mandela was released from prison is significant in the history of South Africa as it marked a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid. Mandela was released on February 11, 1990, after spending 27 years incarcerated. His release was a result of a combination of internal resistance to apartheid, international pressure on the South African government, and a shift in the political landscape that made negotiations possible.

This moment not only signified hope for millions of South Africans yearning for freedom and equality but also set in motion a series of events leading to the dismantling of apartheid and the eventual establishment of a democratic South Africa. Mandela's release was a critical catalyst in the negotiations that would lead to multiracial elections in 1994, where he would eventually become the country's first Black president.

Understanding this context highlights why 1990 is the correct answer to the question about Mandela's release year; it represents both a personal liberation and a broader societal transformation in South Africa.