Falklands War

The Falklands have been claimed over the past 300 years by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina. In 1833 Britain returned to the Falklands for a second time to claim it for the next 99 years. Whilst inhabited by 57 British marines and 11 sailors in 1982, Argentina deployed Special Forces to capture the island. This led to Britain deploying 127 ships to reclaim the island. Fighting lasted 10 weeks until Argentina retreated. In this conflict 258 Britons were killed and 777 were wounded, Britain lost 2 destroyers, 2 frigates and 2 auxiliary vessels. Argentina lost 649 soldiers, 1068 were wounded, 11,313 were captured. Argentina's navy lost a submarine, a light cruiser and 75 aircraft.       Above; Argentine forces                                                                                                                            capturing British Marines

Margaret Thatcher was in power throughout the Falklands war, prior to the conflict she was voted Britain's most unpopular Prime Minister ever, post conflict her popularity soared and she won the following general election by 'a landslide'. In the Falkland Islands there is a holiday in her name and a street named after the former PM.


Left; HMS Sheffield under fire
Below; Argentina's surrendering





In total the Falkland's war cost Britain £2.778 billion but the campaign was considered a great victory for Britain. The victory brought about the 'Falklands Factor' a renewed sense of patriotism which was affected by the economic decline of the 1970's which culminated in the Winter of Discontent. It was this patriotism that the Conservatives thrived off and their dwindling poll rating moved up 10 points following victory which led to her second term. The strength Thatcher gained from the war then led to her confronting the unions which led to a division between Britain as sides were chosen.

Left; Falklands from space