Paul+Kruger

Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, more commonly known as Paul Kruger, was best known for his position as the president of the Transvaal State (1883-1900). Kruger was born October 10, 1824 in Bulhoek, Cape Colony (Now known as Whittlesea, South Africa). That date and place, however, has been disputed. He died July 14, 1904 in Clarens, Switzerland at age 78. He was known internationally for being the face of the Boer Resistance during the Second Boer War. His life accomplishments led to Kruger National Park being named in his honor in 1926, 22 years after his death.

Between 1883 and 1900, Kruger was the president of the South African Republic. To serve seventeen years as president, Kruger won four elections. He claimed victory in 1880, 1888, 1893, and 1898. All these victories were against General Piet Joubert. A year after assuming office, Kruger fought for South African independence without British supervision at the London Convention. Towards the end of his presidency, the South African War began (October 11, 1899). Kruger stayed in South Africa during wartime until 1900, leaving due to poor health. He left the city just days before Lord Roberts came and took possession of the city. Kruger died four years later on July 14, 1904. His cause of death was: heart failure caused by hardening of the arteries.

Paul Kruger affected the entire trip we are taking. He fought for the independence of South Africa, that allowed the South Africans to expand their culture from just native Africans to now city dwellers. This helped make South Africa what it is today. In addition to the expansion of the South African culture, the opening of Kruger National Park greatly affected our trip. In 1898 the “Government Wildlife Park” opened. In 1926, this park expanded into what we know today as Kruger National Park.