Erin Watson Topic 2
Angola The Beginning
Main Points
Angola was a Portuguese colony until 1975
Their War of Independence lasted 13 years
Then the country had a Civil War which lasted 27 years and ended in
2002
Main Angolan players: MPLA, UNITA and to a lesser extent the FNLA
Main foreign powers: USSR, Cuba, USA and South Africa
But over 36 countries were involved in one way or another.
LONGEST CIVIL WAR IN AFRICA
Portugal
From the mid 1500s Portugal was a presence in Angola
In 1577 some Portuguese families and soldiers settled there
Portuguese did very little to develop the country
1951 Angola became a Portuguese province and the Portuguese started
settling there in earnest
Result = hybrid society
Angola becomes a pawn in the Cold war
As you know, both the USSR and USA are fighting for spheres of influence
around the world and Africa is no different.
Yes they are also interested in Angola for the resources but mostly it is because
of the Cold War and their spheres of influence.
Page 1 of 13
, Erin Watson Topic 2
The War of Independence (13 years)
So the Angolans fight against the Portuguese for independence.
There were 3 main nationalist groups which fought against the Portuguese
government in this war.
MPLA: The People’s Movement of the Liberation
of Angola
Founded in 1956
Mostly Ambundu people from North central and coastal regions. The
area around Luanda
The MPLA was led by Agostinho Net for War of Independence then Jose
Eduardo dos Santos for the Civil War
The MPLA sought support from the East, (eventually in 1977 declaring
itself communist)
Got help from USSR and Cuba
UNITA: National Union for Total Independence of
Angola
Led by Jonas Savimbi
Supported by countries largest ethnic group, the Ovimbundu
Mostly in the South of the country
Anti-communist
Supported by USA and South Africa
FNLA: National Front for the Liberation of Angola
Led by Holden Roberto
Based in the North of the Country
Anti-communist so had support from USA
Very friendly with Mobutu of Zaire - and so USA used Zaire to smuggle in
arms to Angola
For a while was an NB group but after the War of Independence they
faded from the scene. (by 1976)
Page 2 of 13
Angola The Beginning
Main Points
Angola was a Portuguese colony until 1975
Their War of Independence lasted 13 years
Then the country had a Civil War which lasted 27 years and ended in
2002
Main Angolan players: MPLA, UNITA and to a lesser extent the FNLA
Main foreign powers: USSR, Cuba, USA and South Africa
But over 36 countries were involved in one way or another.
LONGEST CIVIL WAR IN AFRICA
Portugal
From the mid 1500s Portugal was a presence in Angola
In 1577 some Portuguese families and soldiers settled there
Portuguese did very little to develop the country
1951 Angola became a Portuguese province and the Portuguese started
settling there in earnest
Result = hybrid society
Angola becomes a pawn in the Cold war
As you know, both the USSR and USA are fighting for spheres of influence
around the world and Africa is no different.
Yes they are also interested in Angola for the resources but mostly it is because
of the Cold War and their spheres of influence.
Page 1 of 13
, Erin Watson Topic 2
The War of Independence (13 years)
So the Angolans fight against the Portuguese for independence.
There were 3 main nationalist groups which fought against the Portuguese
government in this war.
MPLA: The People’s Movement of the Liberation
of Angola
Founded in 1956
Mostly Ambundu people from North central and coastal regions. The
area around Luanda
The MPLA was led by Agostinho Net for War of Independence then Jose
Eduardo dos Santos for the Civil War
The MPLA sought support from the East, (eventually in 1977 declaring
itself communist)
Got help from USSR and Cuba
UNITA: National Union for Total Independence of
Angola
Led by Jonas Savimbi
Supported by countries largest ethnic group, the Ovimbundu
Mostly in the South of the country
Anti-communist
Supported by USA and South Africa
FNLA: National Front for the Liberation of Angola
Led by Holden Roberto
Based in the North of the Country
Anti-communist so had support from USA
Very friendly with Mobutu of Zaire - and so USA used Zaire to smuggle in
arms to Angola
For a while was an NB group but after the War of Independence they
faded from the scene. (by 1976)
Page 2 of 13
