From 1874 to 1881 a number of organized treks left the Transvaal in search of political independence and better living conditions. These so-called Thirstland treks were complex phenomena as a result of economic, religious and political factors.
Nicol Stassen has a bachelor's degree in Languages, a master's degree in Chemical Engineering and a doctorate in History. He is a research fellow at the University of Pretoria. His previous publications include William Chapman: Reminiscences (2010) and The Boers in Angola, 1928‒1975 (2011).
