The End of Apartheid
Near the end of the 1980's internal forces within South Africa began to deteriorate, leading the government to see the need for a change in the Apartheid regime. Additionally. South Africa was receiving international attention for its segregationist practices. Diplomatic encouragement as well as economic sanctions were used in attempt to force the country to end Apartheid and to restore civil liberties to those who were affected. The government began to repeal segregationist laws in 1990 and Nelson Mandela was released from prison.
On April 27, 1994 South Africa held its first free democratic election. Nelson Mandela ran under the newly moderate ANC and was elected president, marking the end of Apartheid. April 27 now marks Freedom Day in South Africa to commemorate that historic day.