Independent Africa: Angola (Grade 12) (P2) Flashcards
(82 cards)
1
Q
African states became ______ at the height of the Cold War.
A
independent
2
Q
Why did the superpowers compete to get allies in Africa?
A
Links to CW - the US and USSR were in competition to extend their spheres of influence and spread their various ideologies (capitalism vs communism. They gave aid and weapons.
3
Q
How did the US involve themselves in Africa? Why?
A
USA and West: wanted to protect trade links + support pro-Western
governments.
Aimed to extend sphere of influence and land western-oriented leaders in positions of power, thus giving themselves allies and spreading capitalism.
4
Q
How did the USSR involve themselves in Africa? Why?
A
USSR: gave aid to nationalist movements vs colonialism + anti-Western governments.
Aimed to extend sphere of influence and land communist-oriented leaders in positions of power, thus giving themselves allies and spreading communism.
5
Q
Why were many African states suspicious of the West?
A
Many Africa states suspicious of the West because of links to colonialism +
Apartheid.
6
Q
Superpowers competed for areas they could dominate or control by…?
A
- Establishing trade partnerships
- Providing arms or aid to govts in power
- Providing arms or aid to rebel groups
- Supporting opposing sides in civil wars
7
Q
Features of US involvement in Africa?
A
- Intervention in Congo to counter Soviet influence
- Intervention in Somalia to counter Soviet influence in Ethiopia
- Africa seen as a source of valuable minerals
- Wanted to protect the interests of mining and trading companies
8
Q
Features of Soviet involvement in Africa?
A
- Supported anti-Western governments in Mozambique and Angola
- Supplied weapons to Somalia and Ethiopia
- Aid often accompanied by Cuban troops and technicians (Cuba = major
communist state in South America)
9
Q
Features of Chinese involvement in Africa?
A
- 1970s: more Chinese than Soviet aid to Africa
- Chinese workers and technicians worked alongside locals on projects
- E.g. Tan-Zam railway linking Zambia to the coast of Tanzania
10
Q
Angola was a _____ colony for over 400 years.
A
Portuguese
11
Q
When and how was Portugal’s colonisation of Angola finalised?
A
- Berlin Conference 1885: control formalised
- 1951: Portugal considered Angola to be an overseas province of Portugal - Policy of Assimilation began
12
Q
Who were Portugal’s three African colonies?
A
Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau
13
Q
By the 1950’s in Angola, a desire for ________ emerged.
A
Independence
14
Q
How did Portugal react to Angola wanting independence? What happened as a result?
A
- Portugal was determined to maintain control of its colonies
- Lead by right-wing government of Antonia Salazar
- In the 1960s, the War of Independence started
15
Q
When was the War of Independence in Angola?
A
1960s
16
Q
Who were the three resistance movements?
A
MPLA, FNLA, UNITA.
17
Q
Who were the MPLA?
A
MPLA: Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (1956)
- Led by: Agostinho Neto
(from 1979: Jose Eduardo dos Santos) - Multi-ethnic: whites, mesticos & Ambundu.
- Supported during independence by Soviet Union
- Supported after independence by Soviet Union and Cuba
18
Q
Who were the FNLA?
A
FNLA: National Front for the
Liberation of Angola
(1962)
-Led by: Holden Roberto.
-Comprised of: Initially Bakongo people in the north, but then became nationalist.
- Supported during independence by China
- Supported after independence by USA and South Africa
19
Q
Who were UNITA?
A
UNITA: National Union for the
Total Independence of
Angola (1966)
- Led by: Jonas Savimbi
- Comprised of: Ovimbundu ethnic group.
- Supported during independence by China
- Supported after independence by USA and South Africa
20
Q
What happened in 1961?
A
- 1961: Uprisings in Luanda and northern Angola
- Start of liberation struggle
- Causes: loss of land; harsh treatment by settlers and traders
21
Q
How long did it take Angola to become Independent after the uprisings began?
A
Struggle for liberation lasts from 1961 to
1974
22
Q
How was Portugal affected by the war of Independence?
A
The colonial war was a drain on Portuguese
economy.
23
Q
What happened in 1974?
A
- 1974: military coup in Portugal, Salazar’s dictatorship overthrown
24
Q
Who was the dictator of Portugal?
A
Lead by right-wing government of Antonia Salazar.
25
What happened in 1975?
1975: New government announces independence for African colonies
26
What was the problem Angola faced immediately after winning the war of independence?
Who was going to govern Angola?
27
How did Angola solve the leadership problem after they won the war of independence?
They formed the ALVOR AGREEMENT.
January 1975 = Leaders of MPLA, FNLA & UNITA agree to form a transitional government and organise elections.
However this did not go to plan.
28
Why did the Alvor Agreement fail?
Outside powers become involved:
- Angola was a newly independent county that was rich in natural resources (oil, diamonds, gold, copper and fertile land).
- Both the USA and USSR wanted to bring it under their sphere of influence to monopolise the trade in these natural resources
- Bitter power struggle developed
- Unclear which group would take control when the Portuguese left
29
Why did outside powers become involved?
Angola was a newly independent county that was rich in natural resources (oil, diamonds, gold, copper and fertile land). Both the USA and USSR wanted to bring it under their sphere of influence to monopolise the trade in these natural resources
30
What were the idealogical standings of each party?
MPLA: Communist (supported by Soviets)
FNLA: Not at all communist (supported by USA)
UNITA: Maoist (supported by China)
31
The failure of the Alvor Agreement led to..?
Civil war in Angola.
32
What was the situation for each party at the start of the civil war?
- FNLA in strong position: support from China, links with CIA; main support in north
- UNITA: some arms from China; support of largest ethnic group; main support in
south
- MPLA: initially weakened by internal divisions, but then USSR and Cuba sent aid to MPLA – so have a strong army
33
What did each party declare in 1975?
In 1975 each of the three liberation movements declared themselves the
official government from their separate capital cities.
34
What were the capital cities of each party?
MPLA: Luanda
UNITA: Huambo
FNLA: Ambriz
35
Why did the US want to prevent MPLA coming to power?
They were communist, and so the Policy of Containment kicked in.
Sent aid, supplies and weapons to FNLA and UNITA
36
Which outside countries wanted to prevent MPLA victory?
SA and USA
37
Which party captured the ACTUAL capital? Why was this relevant?
MPLA. Luanda was Angola's main port and gave the MPLA a lot of power and control over Angola's economy.
38
How did SA involve themselves in 1975? Who were they aiding?
Oct 1975: SA army invaded Angola (from South-West Africa/Namibia) to aid UNITA; went as far north as Luanda
39
Why did SA involve themselves?
- Prevent a communist government from coming to power
- Seen as a threat to white minority governments in southern Africa
- Thought MPLA would allow ANC to set up bases in Angola
- Thought MPLA would support SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation) in Namibia
- Demonstrate value of SA to US as anti-communist ally
- Part of policy of de-stabilization in southern Africa
South Africa's involvement was driven by Cold War dynamics, its anti-communist stance, and a desire to prevent the spread of Soviet influence in southern Africa.
40
Why did Portugal pull out?
The war was a stalemate, and Portugal was unable to decisively defeat the resistance.
By the early 1970s, Portugal’s war in Africa was becoming increasingly unpopular, and the Portuguese population back home was losing patience. The wars were costly, and the government’s inability to win them led to widespread dissatisfaction.
The colonial war was a drain on Portuguese
economy.
41
Why was it important for SA and UNITA to secure Luanda before independence day?
This was the point when the international community, especially other African states, would officially recognise the new government in Angola. For South Africa and UNITA, controlling Luanda before Independence Day was seen as key to securing legitimacy in the eyes of both regional and international actors.
42
How did SA and UNITA's attempt to capture Luanda before independence day go? What happened as a result?
- USSR and Cuba sent more military aid to save MPLA from defeat
- SA, UNITA and FNLA forces forced to retreat from Luanda
The MPLA, bolstered by Cuban military support, successfully held the capital, leading to the eventual recognition of the MPLA as the ruling government and the start of a long civil war.
43
When was independence day?
November 11, 1975
44
November 11, 1975 saw the ________ of the _______. Then, the MPLA established ________.
Withdrawal ; Portuguese from Angola ; People’s Republic of Angola
45
Who was eventually recognised as the official govt of Angola, and when?
In 1976: MPLA was recognised as the official government of Angola by a
number of African states.
46
How did outside powers react to the international recognition of the MPLA as the official govt?
US decided against further *direct* American involvement.
47
What happened to the FNLA after the international recognition of the MPLA as official govt?
MPLA defeated FNLA (with backing from USSR and Cuba), after the US withdrew.
48
How long did the civil war last?
1975 - 1992
(Though war still unofficially continued until Savimbi died in 2002)
49
Which parties did the civil war continue between after the demise of the FNLA?
Civil war in Angola continued between:
- MPLA government forces (FAPLA = People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola).
Supported by Cuban troops and Soviet weapons
- UNITA
Supported by the SADF (South African Defence Force)
50
What were the effects of civil war on Angola?
- 1.1 million civilians killed
- Thousands injured by landmines
- Economy destroyed
- Resources used on arms instead of development
- Very little foreign investment
- MPLA government used oil wealth to finance war effort
- UNITA used diamonds and ivory to raise funds for weapons
51
Nature of SA's involvement in the civil war?
Full-scale invasion in support of UNITA
52
Effects of SA's involvement in the civil war?
- Prolonged civil war
-Massive destruction and loss of life
53
Reasons for Cuba’s involvement?
- Strong historic links because of slave trade (Angolans shipped to Cuba)
- Castro had promised support to MPLA even before the Soviets
54
Nature of Cuba’s involvement?
- Trained MPLA soldiers in guerrilla tactics
- About 50 000 troops fought with the Angolan army
55
Effects of Cuba’s involvement?
- Helped MPLA stay in power
- Forced a settlement over Namibia after defeating SA forces
56
Reasons for US involvement?
- Prevent a communist government coming to power (PoC)
- Restore pride after defeat in Vietnam (a communist regime)
- Restore balance of power between superpowers
57
Nature of US involvement?
- Weapons, funding, supplies to FNLA and UNITA
- Often sent secretly through Zaire
- Not prepared to send troops
- Secretly encouraged invasion by SA army
58
Effects of US involvement?
Prolonged civil war.
59
Reasons for Soviet involvement?
- MPLA was communist
- Strategically located next to Zaire (US ally)
- Chinese support for FNLA and UNITA (USSR and China competing against each other after the Sino-Soviet split in 1960)
- US support for FNLA and UNITA
- SA invasion
- Imminent defeat of MPLA
60
Nature of Soviet involvement?
Weapons and technical advisors to MPLA
61
Effects of Soviet support?
- MPLA stayed in power as a Marxist Leninist regime
- Relied on Soviet bloc for support
- BUT policies of MPLA government never dictated by USSR
62
Reasons for China’s involvement?
- Balance Soviet support for MPLA
- Wanted to create economic ties with Africa (believed its brand of communism was best for the developing world)
63
Nature of China’s involvement?
- Initially provided support for all 3 groups
- Switched support to FNLA and UNITA
- Sent military instructors to train FNLA
64
Effects of China’s involvement?
- Not successful because MPLA came to power
- Refused to recognise Angola’s independence – only established diplomatic relations in 1983
65
Where was Cuito Cuanavale?
Cuito Cuanavale = town in South East Angola. Used as a base by FAPLA (Angolan armed forces).
66
Who were FAPLA?
Angolan Armed forces
67
The battle of Cuito Cuanavale (CC) was the ______ of the civil war.
turning point
68
What happened in 1987?
- Nov 1987: SA troops, supporting UNITA, attacked Cuito Cuanavale (CC)
- Trapped FAPLA troops in the town
- Put the town under siege
69
How did SA's invasion of CC go?
- Lost air superiority to the Cubans (who had much more sophisticated air technology)
- Failed to capture the town
- Forced to withdraw
70
Why did Castro react so direly to SA's invasion of CC? How did he respond militarily?
Castro sent Cuban troops and Soviet Planes to support FAPLA forces.
He was worried that the fall of Cuito Cuanavale = MPLA would fall = Angola would fall to pro-Western forces.
71
Why was the battle of CC significant?
Turning point in the war in Angola and on Namibia.
Both sides (SADF AND MPLA) agreed to negotiate a solution to end the
war in Angola and SA’s occupation of Namibia.
72
What happened in December of 1988?
Angola, Cuba and SA signed the New York Accords.
73
What did the NY Accords lead to?
- Led to the withdrawal of SA and Cuban forces from Angola
- Led to independence of Namibia
74
How did SA's defeat effect them?
SA defeat destroyed myth of SA’s military power:
- Forced SA government to re-assess their situation in Southern Africa
- Agreed to negotiate an end to the war
- Agreed to withdraw from Namibia
75
How did the end of the CW effect Angola?
- USA and USSR stopped competing for spheres of influence.
- US put pressure on SA & USSR put pressure on Cubans to end war
- Sees the withdrawal of troops from Angola and Namibia.
76
How did the end of the CW effect Namibia?
1990 they gain their independence.
77
How did the end of the CW effect the end of apartheid?
- No longer had Western support for its
anti-communist policies
- Agreed to negotiations with ANC
78
In 1991, a ________ signed
between ______ and _______.
Peace agreement ; Angolan govt and UNITA
79
Did the peace agreement signed in 1991 work?
No, due to the following events:
1992: First official elections won by
MPLA (49.5%) to UNITA (40.6%), BUT UNITA did not disarm and civil war resumed.
War in Angola only ended after
Savimbi’s death in 2002
80
Impact of Portuguese withdrawal on white minority regimes (SA and Rhodesia)?
No longer had colonial buffer between them and rest of Africa
81
Impact of Defeat of Portuguese on SA?
Gave black south africans hope.
82
Analyse the overall effects that the conflict had on the regional stability and events that happened.
- Defeat of Portuguese gave hope to black South Africans
- Effect on liberation movements: Could establish bases closer to home & gain valuable support
- Increase in armed struggle and SADF attacks on liberation bases, added to violence and instability
- Presence of foreign armies and weapons
- Destabilising effect on the region – cold war conflict brought in
- Northern Namibia used as base for SADF operations in Angola, Namibians suffer as a result, and get caught in between conflict
- Effects of war on people of Angola:
---> Millions of refugees fled to Zaire, Zambia and Namibia
---> Causing economic problems, instability and loss of life
