Senior 3 History: The Great Trek

These notes by Mary Frances Zalwango of Trinity College Nabbingo introduce the Great Trek as the movement of Boers from the Cape Colony into Southern Africa’s interior during the 1830s and 1840s. They identify departure areas, several leaders and the use of ox wagons. The main focus is on causes, including British administrative reforms, the abolition of slavery, language policies, land disputes and the Boers’ desire for independence. The notes also discuss racial attitudes, religious differences and opposition to policies protecting Africans. A concluding activity asks learners to explain the factors behind Afrikaner migration.