During this movement, protestors across the country refused to obey apartheid laws. 1952 was a big year for Mandela, not only did he help establish the Defiance Campaign, but he also became one of the four deputy presidents of the ANC and along with friend Oliver Tambo, opened up the first black law practice in South Africa. .
At the threat of the ANC being officially banned that same year, Mandela and others devised a plan. They organized what they called plan "M", in which small groups of people could then encourage grassroots participation in antiapartheid struggles. .
The struggle continued through the late 1950s when Mandela and Oliver Tambo moved the ANC into a more militant direction against the government, eventually leading to Mandela being charged with treason in 1956, along with 156 others in an infamous treason trial. After five years, Mandela was finally acquitted. .
In March of 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre was a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement when 69 black South African's were massacred during a demonstration to ban South Africa's pass laws (Laws which controlled the movement and employment of black's and forced them to carry identity papers) . After the massacre the ANC was banned and decided it would no longer take a non-violent stance after going underground. Up until that time, nonviolence had been an important aspect of their philosophy. In December of 1961, Mandela helped establish the ANC's military wing and he was named commander in chief. To fulfill his duties he went to Algeria for military training. When he returned back to South Africa, he was arrested for incitement and leaving the country illegally. He acted as his own defense team and was eventually sentenced to 5 years in prison. .
While Mandela was in prison, he was put on trial again, along with fellow ANC colleagues for sabotage, treason, and violent conspiracy. He was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment in June of 1964.