F. W. de Klerk
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Twentieth Century
- Categories: Government and Politics
- Subcategories: Politicians, Diplomats, Race, Ethnicity, Racism, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Segregation, Desegregation, Apartheid
- Curriculum: African History
Article abstract: As president of South Africa, de Klerk initiated the process of dismantling the racist system of apartheid that had existed in his country since 1948. He was central in the negotiations that led to the first truly national elections in South African history.
Early Life
Frederik Willem de Klerk was one of two sons, and his parents quickly dubbed him F. W. to distinguish him from his grandfather. Eight years younger than brother Willem, he was raised more like an only child. His father Jan, a teacher during de Klerk’s youth, was gone...
[The entire page is 2134 words long]
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