Evaluate the role of nationalist movements in the achievement of independence in Angola.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of nationalist movements in Angola, weighing up their importance or otherwise to the country’s achievement of independence. Candidates may note that, by the 1950s, Angolan nationalism was based on ethnicity around the Mbundu, Bakongo and Ovimbundu groups and that later nationalist movements claimed to be more representative of the whole nation. Angola’s war of independence between 1961 and 1974 involved several nationalist movements fighting against Portuguese rule. There may also be an evaluation of the comparative contributions of the different movements, for example, candidates may conclude that the MPLA. Which initiated the armed struggle, was most significant. While other relevant factors, for example the impact of foreign countries who may have supported the various nationalist resistance groups may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.