The Angolan War of Independence began as a result of growing nationalist sentiments and the decline of colonial empires after World War II. Angolans sought to shake off Portuguese dominion through organized resistance movements, with the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) leading the charge. On February 4, 1961, a series of coordinated attacks were launched against Portuguese military installations and civilian targets, in particular, the cities of Luanda and Malanje. These clashes signified the beginning of a broader effort to liberate Angola from nearly four centuries of colonial rule.

The conflict was driven by a mix of ethnic, social, and political factors, with multiple organizations, including UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), also joining the fight. The involvement of these movements was facilitated by support from other countries, particularly in the Cold War context, which saw the Angolan struggle become part of a larger ideological battle between Western and Eastern blocs. The Portuguese response was swift and aggressive, deploying troops to maintain order, which further escalated the situation into a full-blown war.

The Angolan War of Independence would last for over a decade, leading to significant transformations in Angolan society and contributing to the eventual declaration of independence in 1975. The war also had lasting regional implications, contributing to instability in southern Africa and influencing subsequent liberation movements in neighboring countries. The struggle was marked by intense fighting, human rights abuses, and intervention by foreign powers, further complicating the path to autonomy and self-governance.