Falklands War Flashcards
Give a brief history of Falklands Occupation.
(Smith): Argentina won independence from Spain 1816, claimed Falklands, England reasserted control 1833, Argentina never gave up claim.
What were the long term causes of the Falklands/Malvinas war for Argentina?
(Smith): 1) 1981, extreme right Junta ruled- suppressed rights/leftists, 2) economic crisis led to social pressure/dissatisfaction, Junta believed a quick patriotic war would win support and 3) establish Argentina’s international power. 4) Chile had taken Tierra del Fuego islands, Antarctica was demilitarized, so Falklands were a way for Argentina to control S. Atlantic. 5) Improved US-Argentine relations made it seem opportune.
What were Britain’s short-term causes for Falklands War? (Smith)
1) Thatcher was fighting economic crisis w/ high taxes, anti-union laws, privatization, downsizing military; made her unpopular/divided government. 2) Britain didn’t start the war, but gaining public support informed Thatcher’s response.
Short term causes of Falklands War? (Smith)
Negotiations over Falklands broke down 1982, General Galtieri (Junta leader) was pressured to force situation, started military prep secretly, Junta used dispute over South Georgia and transported Argentine merchants there to provoke the British, British HMS Endurance went to S. Georgia but were met w/ full Argentine occupation, backed down easily, led Argentina to believe larger task force was coming, hurried preparations, planned invasion for April 2.
Why did it seem like the Falklands War was caused by a lack of clarity? (Smith)
Neither side had full picture, goals and approaches inconsistent from both sides.
To what extent was Great Britain prepared for war?
Downsizing military but able to create a task force. Had army regulars and Royal Marines for amphibious operations. Had 65 ships total including HMS Hermes and Invincible aircraft carriers. Had 42 planes, 1/3 Argentine air force, also had Harrier Jump Jets that could do vertical takeoff (not as fast as Argentine Mirage or Etendard.
To what extent was Argentina prepared for war?
Had submarine, surface, air capabilities. Older ships, still formidable. Strength w/ air force- 120 planes. Super Etendard planes had exocet missiles from France. US President Carter placed embargo on Argentina in response to dirty war (Junta kidnapping/killing suspected leftists), so limited weapons and ammo.
What were Great Britain’s strategies/tactics?
Set up blockade April 12 around Falklands, Maritime Exclusion Zone, changed to Total Exclusion Zone, any ship in the zone needed British permission. British forces primarily concerned w/ adequate air cover due to air disadvantage, used heavy bombers. Land operations=establishing beachheads at San Carlos, attacking at Goose Green, captured Stanley.
What were Great Britain’s strategies/tactics? Smith.
Set up blockade April 12 around Falklands, Maritime Exclusion Zone, changed to Total Exclusion Zone, any ship in the zone needed British permission. British forces primarily concerned w/ adequate air cover due to air disadvantage, used heavy bombers. Land operations=establishing beachheads at San Carlos, attacking at Goose Green, captured Stanley.
What were Argentina’s strategies/tactics?
Hoped for weak British response and forced negotiations, but element of surprise was decreased by tensions. Early invasion meant Argentina’s troops hadn’t fully mobilized. Relied on numbers and air craft to attack British ships at sea.
What was Operation Rosario?
The April 2nd invasion. It was Argentina’s planned invasion to take Stanley. They were unopposed because Britain thought they’d invade elsewhere.
How did Britain respond to invasion of Stanley?
Thatcher’s cabinet divided, Admiral Leach told Thatcher he could get task force assembled, Thatcher decided to retake islands, Britain got the UN to pass resolution that called for Argentine withdrawal.
What was the international response to the invasion?
UN, Organization of American States (OAS), and US Secretary of State Alexander Haig started negotiations.
Who supported whom in the Falklands War?
OAS states generally supported Argentina, US was OAS and NATO- tough position
Why did Haig’s negotiations fail?
US was closer to UK than Argentina, lack of decisions in Junta impeded negotiation.
