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WHY DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN THE 1970s? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2024 - Paper 1
Question 2
WHY DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN THE 1970s? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow. 2.1 Use Sour... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:WHY DID FOREIGN COUNTRIES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN THE 1970s? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2024 - Paper 1
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2.1.2 Define the term dictator in your own words.
Answer
A dictator is a leader who has concentrated power in their hands, controlling the government without any input from the populace or opposition. They typically rule by decree and do not adhere to a constitution, deriving authority solely from personal will.
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2.1.3 Name the THREE Angolan movements in the source that signed a power-sharing peace agreement for the independence of that country.
Answer
The three Angolan movements that signed a power-sharing peace agreement are:
- National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA)
- Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)
- National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)
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2.1.4 Comment on the implication of the statement, "This was the Cold War and every inch of the globe had to be contested with the Soviet Union", in the context of the USA's involvement in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
This statement implies that the United States viewed the Angolan Civil War as part of a larger Cold War struggle against the Soviet Union. The involvement of the USA can be seen as an attempt to counter the influence of communism, represented by the MPLA, and to support anti-communist factions like the FNLA and UNITA. This reflects the strategy of containment, where the USA sought to prevent the spread of Soviet ideology globally, illustrating the intense ideological battles fought during this period.
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2.2.2 Why did the USA provide financial support to the FNLA during the Angolan transitional government?
Answer
The USA provided financial support to the FNLA to ensure its success in competing against the MPLA and to promote its own geopolitical interests in the region, aiming to prevent a communist takeover.
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2.2.3 Explain the contextual significance of the term "intervention" in the context of Angola's road to independence.
Answer
The term "intervention" is significant as it refers to the involvement of external powers in Angola's struggle for independence, which was marked by the interests of superpowers during the Cold War. This intervention often complicated the internal dynamics of the conflict and underscored the global stakes involved in the independence process.
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2.2.4 Comment on the USA's 1975 defeat in its involvement in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
The USA's 1975 defeat in Angola highlighted the challenges of foreign intervention in civil conflicts. Despite substantial support for anti-communist factions, the eventual victory of the MPLA underscored the limitations of American influence and revealed the complexities of the Angolan situation. This defeat also impacted US credibility in the international arena.
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2.3.1 According to Denvir, what would have happened if Cuba had not dispatched 36 000 troops to Angola?
Answer
According to Denvir, if Cuba had not dispatched 36,000 troops to Angola, the MPLA would likely have been overwhelmed by the FNLA and UNITA forces, potentially leading to a quick victory for anti-communist insurgents.
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2.3.2 What, according to the source, prompted the Angolans to send a desperate appeal to Cubans for help?
Answer
The Angolans sent a desperate appeal to Cubans for help due to the critical military situation they faced, where the influx of FNLA and South African forces threatened their hold on power.
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2.3.3 Give TWO demands in the source that the South Africans made to the Ford administration.
Answer
The two demands made by the South Africans to the Ford administration included:
- Greater military support for their operations in Angola.
- Political backing for their intervention in the conflict.
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2.3.4 Comment on why South Africa wanted open and full support from the USA for its invasion of Angola.
Answer
South Africa sought open support from the USA for its invasion of Angola to legitimize its actions internationally and to secure military and economic support that would enhance its operational capabilities against perceived communist threats in the region.
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2.3.5 Explain the reliability of the source to a researcher studying the reasons for South Africa's participation in the Angolan civil war.
Answer
The reliability of the source can be considered reasonable given that it aims to present historical details while also reflecting the ideologies of the time. However, it may contain biases, particularly in depicting South Africa's motives and actions. Researchers must corroborate the information with other sources to ensure a balanced perspective.
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2.4.1 Comment on the implication of the words in the cartoon, "ALL MAJOR HEMISPHERES ACCEPTED", regarding Cuba's military support to other parts of the world.
Answer
The implication of these words suggests that Cuba positioned itself as a global player ready to support anti-imperialist struggles worldwide, reflecting its commitment to exporting revolution and challenging U.S. hegemony in various regions.
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2.4.2 Explain the implications of the words, "EASY TERMS", regarding Cuba's conditions of supporting Angola militarily.
Answer
The words "EASY TERMS" indicate that while Cuba was ready to assist Angola, it sought manageable conditions that would not destabilize its own resources. This reflects a pragmatic approach to international support, ensuring Cuba did not overextend itself.
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2.4.3 Using the information in the source, comment on how Fidel Castro is depicted in this cartoon in terms of his foreign policy.
Answer
Fidel Castro is depicted as a leader who embraces revolutionary support globally, suggesting a commitment to championing anti-colonial struggles while simultaneously indicating a calculated strategy where he offers assistance under favorable conditions.
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2.5 Refer to Sources 2C and 2D. Explain how the evidence in Source 2 supports the information in Source 2D regarding the role Cuba played in the Angolan Civil War.
Answer
The evidence in Source 2 supports Source 2D by confirming Cuba's significant military involvement in Angola and its willingness to assist revolutionary movements in developing nations, thereby reinforcing its position as a key player against imperialist interventions during the Cold War.
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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 why foreign countries became involved in the Angolan Civil War in the 1970s.
Answer
Foreign countries became involved in the Angolan Civil War primarily due to the geopolitical interests tied to the Cold War. The United States sought to prevent the spread of communism, supporting the FNLA and UNITA, while Cuba intervened to support the MPLA as a sister socialist nation. South Africa's actions were driven by the desire to curb communist influence in southern Africa. These interventions were influenced by both ideological alignments and strategic calculations, leading to a complex international dimension to the conflict.