Key dates on Angola Flashcards
When did Angola become a Portuguese colony?
Angola became a Portuguese colony in the 1480s, with formal control established after the Berlin Conference in 1885.
When did Angola start its War of Independence against Portugal?
Angola’s War of Independence began in 1961, with uprisings in Luanda and northern Angola.
What was the significance of the Alvor Agreement in Angola’s history?
The Alvor Agreement, signed in January 1975, was a key event where leaders of the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA agreed to form a transitional government and organize elections, marking the beginning of Angola’s path toward independence.
When did Portugal officially withdraw from Angola, marking the end of colonial rule?
Portugal officially withdrew from Angola in November 1975, ending colonial rule and triggering the onset of the civil war between the three liberation movements.
When did the MPLA declare itself the official government of Angola?
In November 1975, after the Portuguese withdrawal, the MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola) declared itself the official government and established the People’s Republic of Angola.
When did the civil war in Angola officially start?
The Angolan Civil War started in 1975, following the declaration of independence and the power struggle between MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA.
When did South African forces invade Angola to support UNITA?
South African forces invaded Angola in October 1975, supporting UNITA and attempting to capture Luanda before Angola’s official independence day.
When did Cuba send troops to Angola to support the MPLA?
Cuba sent troops to Angola in 1975, beginning with a deployment of Cuban forces to help the MPLA resist South African and UNITA advances.
When did the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale take place?
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale took place in November 1987, where South African forces attempted to capture the town, but were ultimately defeated by Cuban and MPLA forces.
When did the New York Accords, which ended the war in Angola, get signed?
The New York Accords were signed in December 1988, leading to the withdrawal of Cuban and South African forces from Angola and setting the stage for Namibian independence.
When did Namibia gain independence?
Namibia gained its independence in 1990, following the New York Accords and the withdrawal of South African forces.
When did the peace agreement between the Angolan government and UNITA get signed, ending the civil war?
The peace agreement between the Angolan government and UNITA was signed in 1991, ending 16 years of civil war.
When did Angola hold its first official elections?
Angola held its first official elections in 1992, with the MPLA winning the majority but UNITA not disarming, which led to the resumption of the civil war.
When did the Angolan Civil War finally end?
The Angolan Civil War officially ended in 2002 after the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.
