Angola: Colonialism & independence (13)

Question 1

What was Portugal’s role in Africa?

Answer 1

Portugal was the last European power to maintain colonies in Africa. When other African states became independent in the 1950s and 1960s, Portugal decided instead to strengthen its control.

Question 2

What did this lead to?

Answer 2

This led to the outbreak of war between Portuguese troops and national liberation groups in its three African colonies, Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.

Question 3

What were the underlying causes for the liberation struggle in Angola?

Answer 3

In Angola, the liberation struggle began with uprisings in the capital Luanda and in northern Angola in 1961. The underlying causes were anger over the loss of land and the harsh treatment of Angolans by Portuguese settlers and traders.

Question 4

What did the uprisings start?

Answer 4

Although the uprising was harshly suppressed, it was the start of a long nationalist struggle for independence.

Question 5

What was the result of these colonial wars for Portugal?

Answer 5

By the 1970s these colonial wars were costing almost half the Portuguese budget and involving increasing numbers of troops.

Question 6

What happened in 1974 in Portugal?

Answer 6

In 1974, army officers in Portugal who were determined to end these pointless wars, overthrew the government of the Portuguese dictator, Antonio Salazar, and announced that independence would be granted as soon as possible to Portugal’s African colonies.

Question 7

True or false, In Angola the situation was complicated by the existence of three rival liberation groups each of which claimed to represent the Angolan people:

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Who was the MPLA?

Answer 8

The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Agostinho Neto, supported the creation of a communist state.

Question 9

Which Cold War power supported the MPLA?

Answer 9

It was supported by the USSR. Its main support was in Luanda and other towns.

Question 10

Who was the FNLA?

Answer 10

The Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), led by Holden Roberto,

Question 11

Who had links to the FNLA? (2)

Answer 11

1. had links with both China and the USA, both of which wanted to counteract Soviet support for the MPLA.
2. It also had support from Mobuto in Zaire. Its main support came from the north.

Question 12

Who was UNITA?

Answer 12

The National Union for Total Independence for Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas Savimbi,

Question 13

Who supported UNITA? (3)

Answer 13

was at first supported by China, but later by the USA and South Africa. Its main support was in the central highlands and the south.

Question 14

Which organisation managed to get the three groups to co-operate?

Answer 14

Despite the differences between them, the Organization of African Unity managed to get all three groups to
co-operate so that elections could go ahead and the transition to independence completed.

Question 15

True or false, The three leaders formed a strong coalition and agreed to work together to organise elections and draw up a provisional constitution.

Answer 15

False, The three leaders formed a shaky coalition and agreed to work together to organise elections and draw up a provisional constitution.

Question 16

What happened before these elections?

Answer 16

However, before these elections could be held, outside powers became involved: the USA, the USSR, Cuba, South Africa and, to a lesser extent, China. This intensified the rivalry between the three liberation groups.

Question 17

Which group was in control once the Portuguese had left?

Answer 17

The war for liberation from Portugal became a bitter struggle for power. It was not yet clear which faction would be under the control of independent Angola when the Portuguese left in November 1975.