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Refer to Source 2A - NSC History - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 2
Refer to Source 2A. 2.1.1 Quote any TWO possible reasons from the source why the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was the 'turning point of the war'. 2.1.2 Why, according... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to Source 2A - NSC History - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
2.1.1 Quote any TWO possible reasons from the source why the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was the 'turning point of the war'.
Answer
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was considered a pivotal moment in the war for several reasons:
- It marked a shift in momentum where South Africa was forced to withdraw its troops, demonstrating a significant tactical defeat.
- The battle led to increased diplomatic efforts and negotiations that ultimately changed the political landscape of southern Africa.
Step 2
2.1.2 Why, according to General Geldenhuys, did the Soviet alliance lose the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale? Give TWO reasons for your answer.
Answer
General Geldenhuys attributes the loss of the Soviet alliance at Cuito Cuanavale to:
- Strategic miscalculations and lack of effective coordination among the allied forces, contributing to their inability to secure a decisive victory.
- The underestimation of the South African Defence Force’s capabilities, which led to unexpected resistance and operational setbacks.
Step 3
2.1.3 Explain the term propaganda in the context of the outcome of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.
Answer
Propaganda refers to the dissemination of information, often biased or misleading, used to shape public opinion and influence perception. In the context of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, both sides utilized propaganda to present their narratives: the South Africans projected an image of military success, while the Soviet alliance emphasized resilience and ideological victory, regardless of the battlefield outcomes.
Step 4
2.1.4 Comment on what you think was implied by the statement that the South Africans 'won on the battlefield', but 'lost the crucial political battle'. Support your answer with relevant evidence.
Answer
The statement suggests a distinction between military success and political effectiveness. Winning on the battlefield implies dominance in military terms, yet the subsequent failure to achieve political stability or favorable negotiations indicates a deeper challenge. For example, even with a military victory, the South Africans could not prevent the rise of anti-apartheid movements and faced increasing international isolation, signifying a loss in the political arena that undermined their military endeavors.