The Great Trek

Question 1

Why did the Trekboers leave the Cape Colony?

Answer 1

1. They felt that the British Government didn’t protect them
2. They felt that the Dutch language was losing out to English
3. They were always in conflict over land with the Xhosa

Question 2

When did the Great Trek take place?

Answer 2

1836 to 1846

Question 3

How did the Voortrekkers move, and where did they go to?

Answer 3

They moved their belongings on ox wagons and headed north, into the South African interior

Question 4

What other reasons are also cited (not in history book) for the Great Trek?

Answer 4

The Voortrekkers were cross about the process of compensation for their slaves when slavery was abolished. They didn’t feel that this was fair.

Question 5

What were the ‘Inboekselings’?

Answer 5

Black children stolen by the Voortrekkers to work for them

Question 6

Why did the Voortrekkers claim that the ‘inboekselings’ were not slaves?

Answer 6

Because they hadn’t bought or sold them (but they traded them for goods or cattle)

Question 7

Why were the stolen children called ‘inboekselings’?

Answer 7

Because they had to be registered with the local magistrate.

Question 8

How old were the ‘inboekselings’ before they were free to leave?

Answer 8

Boys - 21

Girls - 25

Question 9

What were the ‘inboekselings’ known as, and why?

Answer 9

‘Black Ivory’

They were valuable.