1835–1840
The Great Trek
Thousands of Dutch-speaking colonists left the Cape in several streams, seeking political autonomy and moving into regions occupied or claimed by African communities and polities.
established
migration
settlement
political-movement
Thousands of Dutch-speaking colonists left the Cape in several streams, seeking political autonomy and moving into regions occupied or claimed by African communities and polities.
Disputed interpretations
Motives varied and included dissatisfaction with British rule, labour policy, frontier insecurity, land ambitions and the desire for political autonomy.