HOW DID CUBA SUPPORT THE POPULAR MOVEMENT FOR THE LIBERATION OF ANGOLA (MPLA) DURING THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR OF 1975? Study Source 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1

The MPLA requested military supplies and personnel support from Cuba in May 1975. These requests were critical for their efforts to strengthen their position in the fight against opposing forces during the civil conflict.

It was essential for the Cubans to learn about the terrain in Angola to effectively plan military operations. Understanding the geographical features would aid in logistics, troop movements, and the overall strategy to support the MPLA in various combat situations.

A historian might consider this source partially reliable as it provides firsthand insights but should also critically assess its context and potential biases. It reflects the Cuban perspective and may omit other critical viewpoints about the reasons behind Cuba's involvement.

The two aspects of the training programme included military strategy and leadership training. These elements were designed to enhance the capabilities of Neto and his forces to better confront the challenges they faced.

The two Cuban commanders mentioned in the source responsible for the operation in Angola were General Julio Casas Regueiro and Colonel Victor Dreke. Their leadership was pivotal in the Cuban military involvement during the civil war.

Cuba decided to deploy more soldiers to Cabinda due to its strategic importance and the need to support MPLA forces in a crucial region. The area faced intensified conflict, and bolstering military presence was essential for ensuring territorial control and securing resources.

The evidence in Source 2B supports Source 2A by detailing the extent of military training and cooperation between Cuba and the MPLA. Source 2B provides context to the requests made in 2A, showing a systematic approach by Cuba to assist in the liberation effort.

Independence in the context of Angola refers to the country's struggle to free itself from colonial rule and external domination. It embodies the aspirations of the Angolan people to establish self-governance and control over their national resources.

'Operation Carlota' was launched to provide military support to the MPLA against rival factions and to prevent the destabilization of the newly independent nation. It was a crucial operation aimed at ensuring the success of the MPLA during the civil war.

Members of the special battalion wore summer clothes with no military insignia to maintain a low profile and to avoid drawing attention to their military presence. The use of regular passports further facilitated their covert operations within Angola.

The special battalion used AK-47 rifles and communication devices. These items were essential for both offensive operations and strategic communication during the conflict.

The photograph was taken to document the solidarity between Cuba and Angola, highlighting their partnership during the civil war. It serves as a visual representation of the ideological alignment and military collaboration between the two nations.

The significance of Agostinho Neto and Fidel Castro in the photograph lies in their symbolic representation of the revolutionary movements in Angola and Cuba. Their presence underscores the connection between the two countries' struggles for independence and the shared goals of socialism.

Cuba provided extensive support to the MPLA during the Angolan Civil War through military training and personnel deployment. Cuban forces were actively involved in operations to secure victories for the MPLA against opposing factions. This assistance was crucial in shaping the MPLA's ability to maintain control over key territories. Furthermore, Cuba's commitment extended beyond just military assistance, as it aimed to foster ideological ties that contributed to Angola's independence and socialism.