Question

Why do you think the United States and the Soviet Union participated in Angola's civil war?

Answer 1

To gain strategic control.

Explanation:

With the inability of the Portugese to regain control, the Americans and Soviets fought a war by proxy, as they did in many 3rd World countries.

They justified such actions as ideologically correct. In the case of the USA it was defending democracy and capitalism against communism. As far as the Soviets were concerned it was supporting liberation movements against colonial powers both past and present.

In reality it was either for the acquisition of raw materials and or for strategic purposes, particularly access to military bases.