Examine the role played by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in the achievement of Namibian independence.

“In the period prior to the start of the Mexican Revolution, political factors contributed more than economic factors to the maintenance of power of Porfirio Diaz.” Discuss.

Candidates will consider the role and significance of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in the achievement of Namibian independence. Candidates may refer to the role of SWAPO in securing Namibia’s achievement of independence through both armed resistance and diplomatic methods. Armed resistance may refer to the guerrilla strategies against South African forces and the use of cross-border bases in Angola. Diplomatic methods may include campaigns conducted within the United Nations where SWAPO was recognised as the legitimate representative of the Namibian people, and where a Permanent Observer was able to apply pressure on the South Africans. They also gained the support of other states, including African countries, as part of the wider anti-apartheid movement. Candidates may examine the leadership of SWAPO, especially the role of Sam Nujoma.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the role of political and economic factors in the maintenance of power of Porfirio Diaz. While candidate’s viewpoints may be varied as to the factors enabling Diaz to remain in power, the issue of the predominance of political factors must be addressed. For economic influences, candidates may develop aspects of Mexico’s natural resources and foreign investment, the expansion of banking and major industries such as railways, oil, steel and textiles, and the implementation of a balanced budget. However, it may be argued that the benefits were limited to the elite and the middle class. Political factors that may be discussed include the methods used by Diaz to divide and control his political opposition, political manipulation leading to Diaz’s indefinite re-election, and support for Diaz from the elites, the military and the police.