Compare and contrast the factors that led to the independence of Angola and South-West Africa.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the factors that led to independence in Angola and South-West Africa, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of each. Candidates may refer to the role of armed struggle in the achievement of independence in each territory, and of factors such as racial oppression and poverty in fuelling opposition to colonial rule. Conversely, they may argue that it was external factors that led to independence in each country: in Angola, the Carnation Revolution and the collapse of the Estado Novo; in South-West Africa, political pressure on South Africa from the US and the waning of the apartheid system. For contrast, candidates may note South-West Africa’s unique status as a UN trust territory and the frequent calls for Pretoria to relinquish control. They may also highlight the role of three liberation movements in Angola – the MPLA, UNITA and the FNLA – in contrast to Namibia where SWAPO was the sole standard-bearer of the independence cause. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.