Stephanus Johannes Paulus (Paul) Kruger was born on 10 October 1825 in the Eastern Cape and took part in the Great Trek as a child. His family settled in the Western Transvaal and in his early life he played a prominent role in the forging of the South African Republic, leading its commandos and resolving disputes between the rival Boer leaders and factions.
In March 1877 he was elected Vice-President of the South African Republic and in 1883 became President. He was re-elected President in 1888, 1893 and 1898. The discovery of gold, the influx of foreigners and the Jameson Raid eventually led to the South African War 1899-1902.
Kruger left for Europe as the war turned against the Boers and spent the rest of his life in exile. He died in Switzerland at the age of 78.
