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QUESTION 2: WHY DID FOREIGN POWERS BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
QUESTION 2: WHY DID FOREIGN POWERS BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that fol... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 2: WHY DID FOREIGN POWERS BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
2.1.1 Name the TWO Angolan liberation movements in the source that received funding from the CIA.
Answer
The two Angolan liberation movements that received funding from the CIA were the FNLA (National Liberation Front of Angola) and UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola).
Step 2
2.1.2 Why, according to the source, did America’s perspective of the Angolan conflict change?
Answer
America’s perspective changed due to the American loss in Vietnam, which significantly damaged its prestige globally. This prompted a reevaluation of its involvement in conflicts such as Angola, where the fear of a similar loss influenced America's approach.
Step 3
2.1.3 Comment on what you think Kissinger implied by the statement: ‘I don’t care about the oil, but I do care about Africa, especially if the Soviets spread their ideology and we don’t do anything.’
Answer
Kissinger’s statement implies a strategic concern for the spread of communism in Africa rather than economic interests. It suggests that the U.S. was willing to prioritize ideological battles over material resources, showing a depth of commitment to countering Soviet influence in the region.
Step 4
2.2.1 Explain the messages that are conveyed in the cartoon regarding the USA’s involvement in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
The cartoon conveys a critical view of the USA’s involvement, suggesting that it was reckless and reminiscent of previous military engagements that ended poorly. The illustrations depict a sense of impending disaster, encapsulating the idea that U.S. actions in Angola could lead to similar consequences as in Vietnam.
Step 5
2.2.2 Comment on the words ‘IF YOU LIKED VIETNAM, YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE!’ in the context of the USA’s involvement in Angola.
Answer
This phrase serves as a stark warning, highlighting the parallels between Vietnam and Angola. It suggests a foreboding view that U.S. involvement would result in more chaos and mismanagement, reflecting a skepticism about the efficacy of American interventions in foreign conflicts.
Step 6
2.3 Explain how the information in Source 2A compares to the information in Source 2B regarding the USA’s involvement in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
Source 2A presents a perspective that emphasizes U.S. efforts to contain communism and stabilize its influence in Angola, illustrating motivations centered on ideological concerns. In contrast, Source 2B critiques the implications of U.S. actions, suggesting a detrimental recurrence of historical military failures, thereby showcasing an irony in U.S. foreign policy.
Step 7
2.4.1 Why, according to Rhodes, was South Africa’s involvement in Angola seen as a ‘blunder’ by some observers?
Answer
Rhodes describes South Africa's involvement as a blunder due to misjudging the situation in Angola and underestimating the consequences of military intervention, which eventually complicated regional dynamics.
Step 8
2.4.2 Quote TWO pieces of evidence from the source that prompted Prime Minister Vorster to intervene in Angola.
Answer
One piece of evidence is Vorster's belief that the MPLA's victory would threaten South African security. Another is the geopolitical concern regarding the spread of communism in Southern Africa, which prompted military preemptive actions.
Step 9
2.4.3 Using the information in the source and your own knowledge, comment on why Vorster disliked the communists.
Answer
Vorster's disdain for communism stemmed from its ideological opposition to capitalism, posing a direct threat to South African interests. His regime feared that communist victories in neighboring countries could inspire domestic uprisings among disenfranchised citizens.
Step 10
2.4.4 Explain to what extent you would regard the information in the source as reliable when researching the reasons for South Africa’s involvement in Angola.
Answer
The reliability of the source can be considered limited due to its one-sided nature, primarily reflecting Vorster's perspective. However, it does provide valuable insights into political motivations, though one should corroborate it with additional sources to obtain a balanced understanding.
Step 11
2.5.1 Name any TWO roles, according to the source, that Cuba played in assisting a large number of African countries during their struggle for independence.
Answer
Two roles that Cuba played were sending military advisors to support liberation movements and providing technical assistance, including medical support, to bolster African independence efforts.
Step 12
2.5.2 Define the concept colonialism in your own words.
Answer
Colonialism is the practice whereby a country establishes control over another territory, exploiting its resources and imposing its governance, often leading to significant cultural and social changes within the colonized regions.
Step 13
2.5.3 Why, according to the source, did Cuba decide to send its ‘military unit’ to Angola?
Answer
Cuba sent its military unit to Angola to support the MPLA against threats, seeing the conflict as crucial to counter the spread of colonialism and imperialism, while solidifying ties with African liberation movements.
Step 14
2.5.4 Explain why you think Castro did not want Angola to fall in the hands of the South African racists.
Answer
Castro likely aimed to prevent the consolidation of apartheid regimes in Southern Africa, believing that a communist-backed Angola could serve as a vital hub for promoting liberation across the continent and defying imperialist influences.
Step 15
2.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining why foreign powers became involved in the Angolan Civil War between 1974 and 1976.
Answer
Foreign powers became involved in the Angolan Civil War due to a mix of ideological and strategic interests. The USA, fearing the spread of communism, sought to support anti-communist factions like FNLA and UNITA. Similarly, the Soviet Union and Cuba aimed to establish a foothold in Africa, aiding the socialist MPLA. Additionally, regional dynamics, such as South Africa’s anti-communist stance, drove these interventions. Ultimately, the war became a proxy battleground for Cold War politics in Africa.