The Falklands War

What was the Falklands War?

The Falklands War was a conflict between Britain and Argentina, fought over claims to ownership of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

When was the Falklands War?

The Falklands War took place in 1982.

Where did the Falklands War take place?

The Falklands War took place in the South Atlantic, around 400 miles from the coast of Argentina.

Why did the Falklands War happen?

The Falklands War took place for 4 political reasons.

• ❖ Argentina had always disputed Britain's ownership of the Falkland Islands. They called the islands 'Las Malvinas'.
• ❖ In 1982, the military government of Argentina needed a political success to keep themselves in power. They decided to create a victory by taking back the Falkland Islands.
• ❖ The islands are home to around 1,800 British citizens. The British government sent a task force to prevent the Argentine take-over, and to protect its citizens.
• ❖ Britain also needed a political victory, as it was facing serious economic challenges. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wanted to show that Britain was strong.

What were the main events of the Falklands War?

These are the key events of the Falklands War.

• ❖ When the Argentine army invaded the Falklands, many politicians felt it would be unwise to respond - there were too many memories of the humiliation of the Suez Crisis in 1956.
• ❖ Margaret Thatcher, however, insisted on sending a task force to recover the islands. She was not prepared to allow another country to take over British territory.
• ❖ After eight weeks of fierce fighting, the Argentine forces surrendered. The Falkland Islands remained British territory.
• ❖ The returning British forces were treated as heroes, and Margaret Thatcher won a landslide victory in the following general election.

What was the significance of the Falklands War?

These are some of the ways in which the Falklands War was significant.

• ❖ The Falkland Islands remained British territory.
• ❖ The British military had overcome the humiliation of the Suez Crisis of 1956, and gained respect worldwide.
• ❖ The war also increased the power of the media in Britain, especially the tabloid newspapers. They had supported the war with nationalist headlines, echoing the propaganda of the empire.
• ❖ Politically, the Falklands War ensured that the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher won a landslide victory in the next general election.
• ❖ The new respect for Britain enabled Thatcher to negotiate with the EEC from a position of strength. She was now able to gain concessions for Britain, such as the rebate.