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HOW DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR AFTER 1975? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
HOW DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR AFTER 1975? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow. 2.1 Consult So... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HOW DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR AFTER 1975? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
2.1.1 Using the information in the source and your own knowledge define the concept, Cold War, in the context of the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
The Cold War refers to the ideological struggle between the USA and the USSR following World War II, characterized by competition for global influence without direct military conflict. In the context of the Angolan Civil War, this rivalry manifested through interventions by both superpowers, with the USA supporting anti-communist factions and the USSR backing the MPLA government, both aiming to extend their ideological reach in Africa.
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2.1.3 Why, according to the information in the source, did the apartheid government support UNITA?
Answer
The apartheid government supported UNITA to counter the expansion of communism in southern Africa. By opposing the MPLA, which had Soviet backing, the apartheid regime aimed to inhibit the establishment of a communist regime in Angola that could inspire resistance movements within South Africa.
Step 4
2.1.4 Explain why you think a number of countries became involved in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
Countries became involved in the Angolan Civil War primarily due to geopolitical interests. The USA and its allies sought to prevent the spread of communism, while the USSR and Cuba aimed to support socialist movements. Additionally, the civil war provided a battleground for proxy conflicts where nations could influence outcomes without direct confrontation, reflecting broader Cold War tensions.
Step 5
2.2.1 What direct support, according to the source, did the MPLA government receive from the Soviet Union and Cuba?
Answer
The MPLA government received significant military aid, including troops and military equipment, from both the Soviet Union and Cuba, which played a crucial role in sustaining their military efforts during the Angolan Civil War.
Step 6
2.2.2 Comment on the usefulness of the information in this source to a historian studying the roles that Cuba and the USA played in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
The information in Source 2B is useful as it provides direct evidence of the involvement and actions of both Cuba and the USA. It illustrates the military strategies employed, the extent of support offered to each side, and highlights the ideological motives driving their involvement. However, its usefulness may be limited by potential biases present in the source.
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2.2.4 Explain why, in your opinion, Cuba decided to prescribe pre-conditions before withdrawing from Angola.
Answer
Cuba likely established pre-conditions before withdrawing to ensure that their military sacrifices would not be undermined by the continuing presence of foreign troops supporting the opposing side. This aimed to secure a stable government for the MPLA and maintain the gains they achieved during the conflict.
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2.3 Explain how the information in Source 2A supports the evidence in Source 2B, regarding the involvement of foreign powers in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
Source 2A indicates the involvement of various foreign powers, such as the USA and USSR, in the Angolan Civil War, aligning with Source 2B, which highlights the specific military support Cuba provided to the MPLA. Both sources underscore the international dimensions of the conflict, illustrating how the Cold War context shaped the actions and support of these nations for different factions.
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2.4.1 Explain why you think this photograph was published.
Answer
The photograph was likely published to document the struggle and resilience of the Angolan people during the civil war, serving to raise awareness and garner international support for the MPLA's cause. It acts as a visual representation of the conflict, aiming to influence public opinion and provide ideological support for the MPLA's fight.
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2.5.1 Why was the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale regarded as a turning point in the Angolan Civil War?
Answer
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale is regarded as a turning point because it marked a decisive victory for the MPLA and Cuban forces against the SADF (South African Defence Forces), leading to a shift in the momentum of the war. This battle not only strengthened the MPLA's position but also influenced the withdrawal of foreign troops in subsequent years.
Step 13
2.5.2 Explain why you think there were different views as to who won the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.
Answer
Different views regarding who won the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale emerged due to varying perspectives on military engagement and the political outcomes that followed. While MPLA supporters viewed it as a clear victory, others, particularly within South Africa, framed it as a strategic withdrawal rather than a defeat. These differing narratives reflect the broader geopolitical stakes involved in the conflict.
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2.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining how foreign countries became involved in the Angolan Civil War after 1975.
Answer
Foreign countries became deeply involved in the Angolan Civil War post-1975 due to the Cold War's geopolitical context. The USA provided support to UNITA to counter Soviet influence, while the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA. This proxy conflict highlighted the ideological battle between capitalism and communism, drawing in external powers to secure their interests in African affairs. Consequently, Angola turned into a battleground for foreign intervention, ultimately shaping its political landscape.