To what extent was the Great Trek undertaken to preserve Afrikaner Culture?

Essay , 2014 , 8 Pages , Grade: 2.1

History - Africa

The Great Trek of the Dutch descended Afrikaner population which began in 1838 has been described by historians such as J. Du Plessis as being one of the strangest and most moving spectacles in history; with well-to-do farmers… packing their families, and household goods into an unwieldy ox-wagon, driving their flocks and herds before them, and trekking away to the unknown. Narratives of this period of history as depicted by Afrikaner historians tend to portray the voortrekkers as united protagonists placed in a just and misfortunate situation. An exemplary figure of this form of historiography was Gustav Schoeman Preller and his works provided recognition of Afrikaner historical importance. He continued on and made the plea of: ‘Let us be serious about accepting a written Afrikaans’. His works, particularly the 1920 book Piet Retief depicted the Voortrekker leader Retief and the Voortrekkers as heroes and raised the Great Trek as a definitive moment in nineteenth century nationalism. This draws upon the theory that the Great Trek was used as a means to preserve Afrikaner culture and was set upon as a form of cultural nationalism. This essay will discuss the extent to which this was the cause for the Great Trek, along with raising other reasons for why the trek began.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• The Great Trek of the Dutch descended Afrikaner population which began in 1838 has been described by historians such as J. Du Plessis as being one of the strangest and most moving spectacles in history; with well-to-do farmers... packing their families, and household goods into an unwieldy ox-wagon, driving their flocks and herds before them, and trekking away to the unknown.
• An exemplary figure of this form of historiography was Gustav Schoeman Preller and his works provided recognition of Afrikaner historical importance.
• This draws upon the theory that the Great Trek was used as a means to preserve Afrikaner culture and was set upon as a form of cultural nationalism.
• The notion of the Great Trek as a means of preservation of culture has been prevalent and celebrated in modern Afrikaner nationalism.
• The abolition of slavery had an effect on why the Great Trek was undertaken and has links to the Afrikaner cultural preservation theory.
• Although not as strong as the views of racial superiority that prevailed with the neurosciences of European countries, the Afrikaners felt that they were superior to the black African natives and their former slaves.
• Although, expanding this event in a linkage to slavery, beyond just a cultural sense, in Piet Retief's Grahamstown manifesto of February 1837, one of the reasons he calls upon is the losses that farmers suffered due to slavery coming to an end in the Cape, and whilst compensation was available it could only be collected in Britain, a deliberately vindictive move by the government.
• As Afrikaner people refused to learn the English language it made trading difficult and in the vicinity they resided in before the Great Trek, English was the language used for trading.
• Compared to English farmers whose younger sons, after their father (the farm owner) died went on to work in industry or commerce, continuing economic gain and the Afrikaners had a tradition of dividing up land when the head of the family died.
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This essay examines the extent to which the Great Trek was undertaken to preserve Afrikaner culture, exploring the complex interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors that motivated the movement. It analyzes the historical narratives surrounding the Great Trek, particularly those emphasizing cultural preservation and Afrikaner nationalism. The essay also investigates other key reasons for the trek, including the impact of British policies, the abolition of slavery, and the challenges faced by Afrikaner farmers.

• The role of cultural preservation in the Great Trek
• The impact of British policies on Afrikaner identity and culture
• The significance of slavery and its abolition in the context of the trek
• The economic and agricultural challenges faced by Afrikaner farmers
• The relationship between the Great Trek and Afrikaner nationalism

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The essay begins by introducing the Great Trek as a significant historical event, highlighting the narratives of Afrikaner historians who portray the voortrekkers as united protagonists facing unjust circumstances. It then delves into the theory that the Great Trek was driven by a desire to preserve Afrikaner culture, examining the role of British policies, particularly Anglicisation, in fostering a sense of cultural threat among Afrikaners. The essay explores how the abolition of slavery further fueled Afrikaner resentment towards British rule and contributed to the perception that their way of life was under threat. It also examines the role of racial superiority in the Afrikaner worldview, highlighting the belief that they were superior to black African natives and their former slaves. The essay then explores the economic and agricultural challenges faced by Afrikaner farmers, including the impact of soil erosion, drought, and cattle diseases. It argues that these challenges, coupled with the limitations imposed by British policies, contributed to the decision to move further into the interior. Finally, the essay examines the economic motivations behind the Great Trek, highlighting the difficulties faced by Afrikaner farmers in trading and the need to find new opportunities for economic advancement. It concludes by emphasizing the complex interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors that drove the Great Trek, demonstrating that the desire to preserve Afrikaner culture was only one of many motivations.

Schlüsselwörter

The key words and focus themes of the text include the Great Trek, Afrikaner culture, cultural preservation, British policies, Anglicisation, slavery, racial superiority, economic challenges, agricultural hardship, and Afrikaner nationalism. The essay explores the complex motivations behind the Great Trek, examining the interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors that influenced the movement of Afrikaner people into the interior of South Africa. It analyzes the historical narratives surrounding the Great Trek, particularly those emphasizing cultural preservation and Afrikaner nationalism, and investigates other key reasons for the trek, including the impact of British policies, the abolition of slavery, and the challenges faced by Afrikaner farmers.

• College: University of Central Lancashire
• Course: Modern World History
• Grade: 2.1
• Author: J. A. Lowe (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V278877
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656715245
• ISBN (Book): 9783656715238
• Language: English
• Tags: what, extent, great, trek, undertaken, preserve, afrikaner, culture