Was Mandela's early support for armed struggle a contradiction?
The decision to embrace armed struggle was not taken lightly. It arose from a deep desperation and a realization that peaceful avenues for change were systematically blocked by the apartheid regime. For years, we pursued non-violent resistance, but the state's brutal response forced us to reconsider our options. In my view, it was a last resort, a response to the violence of the state. My statement that I was prepared to die for my ideal reflected the seriousness of our commitment and the understanding that such struggles often demand the ultimate sacrifice. However, even during this period, the ultimate goal remained a peaceful, democratic society.
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