The Angolan War of Independence was a conflict that took place from 1961 to 1975, as Angola sought to free itself from Portuguese colonial rule. Various nationalist movements, including the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA, fought against the Portuguese government, aiming to establish an independent nation. The war was marked by guerrilla warfare and significant international involvement. In 1974, a military coup in Portugal led to a shift in policy, ultimately resulting in negotiations for Angola's independence. On November 11, 1975, Angola officially became independent, but the power struggle among the nationalist groups continued, leading to a subsequent civil war.