For many years the British sought unification of South Africa under their reign and the Dutch-Afrikaners fled and occupied their own Transvaal and the Orange Free State republics. Paul Kruger, who was the president of Transvaal for four terms, had a life and a history that took place throughout the tensions that existed in the nation from 1814-1914. The pretensions and conflicts of the Anglo-Boer war took place over most of Kruger's life, and because of his fixed hatred for foreigners, mistreatment led to the Jameson Raid, which was one of the major triggers of the war.

"The Great Trek", which occurred from 1835 to the 1840's, took place during Paul's childhood and lead him to a state of rebelliousness and strong leadership. At this age, he had already had a reputation as a fighter. In 1814, the British gained control over the Cape...