The outbreak of civil war in 1974: the FNLA, the MPLA and UNITA (14) Flashcards
Who was in a strong position after the start of the civil war?
When the civil war started in 1974 the FNLA, with support from both China and links with the CIA, was in a strong position.
Who has UNITA received support from?
UNITA also received small quantities of arms from China, and had support among the largest ethnic group in Angola, the Ovimbundu.
Who sent advisors to the MPLA?
By contrast, the MPLA was weakened by internal divisions. However, partly as a result of Chinese support for the FNLA, the Soviet Union sent weapons, while Cuba sent military advisors to the MPLA.
What did the Cuban advisors allow the MPLA to gain?
With this advantage, the MPLA managed to gain control of the capital Luanda and other coastal towns.
What did the USA do in response to the Soviet-backed MPLA?
This situation alarmed the US. In an effort to prevent the Soviet - backed MPLA from coming to power once the Portuguese left, the US sent funding and supplies, and later also large quantities of weapons to the FNLA and UNITA.
What complicated the situation in Angola?
The situation was further complicated when the South African military forces invaded Angola in October 1975, a month before Angolan independence. South African troops, aided by UNITA and FNLA forces, quickly occupied large areas of Angola, and threatened Luanda.
Why did South African troops quickly occupy large areas of Angola?
South African troops, aided by UNITA and FNLA forces, quickly occupied large areas of Angola, and threatened Luanda. They were anxious to capture the city before independence day on 11 November.
What saved the MPLA from defeat?
The MPLA was saved from defeat by massive military aid from the Soviet Union and Cuba: Soviet arms and Cuban troops. When the Portuguese withdrew in November 1975, Agostinho Neto, of the MPLA, declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of Angola.
What did the USA conclude at this crucial stage?
At this crucial stage, the US Congress decided against any further direct American involvement. In spite of this, the war dragged on.
What did the MPLA control?
The MPLA controlled the capital, Luanda, and the Cabinda oil wells, Angola’s chief source of income. However, it had little control over other parts of the country and fighting continued.
True or false, But, with Soviet and Cuban backing, the MPLA succeeded in defeating the FNLA and stopped the advance of UNITA.
True
What happened after the collapse of the FNLA?
After the collapse of the FNLA, the struggle continued between the MPLA government forces, now known as the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), supported by armed forces from Cuba, and weapons, ammunition and fighter planes (MIG - 23s ) from the Soviet Union, and UNITA, backed by the South African military.
This destructive civil war continued for decades (____–_____), killing __million civilians and injuring many thousands of others in ________ accidents, and destroying the ________ of Angola
1974-1989
1.1
landmine
economy
What were the country’s resources spend on?
The country’s resources were spent on arms instead of being used to raise money for much-needed development. The on-going war made foreign businesses reluctant to invest in the potentially rich country.
What did the MPLA become dependent on?
The MPLA government became increasingly dependent on Angola’s oil wealth to keep going.
