Falklands War

Question 1

when was the falklands war?

Answer 1

1982, for 10 weeks in the months of april may and june

Question 2

describe the anglo-argentine dispute:

Answer 2

-the falkland islands had been under british rule since 1833
-most people living there were british passport holders, and 80% supported british rule
-however by 1982 the islands had very little economic or strategic value to britain
-the nationalist government under gen. galtrieri claimed the islands, and invaded on the 2nd of april

Question 3

describe the difference in opinions over how to deal with the conflict within the government and the opposition:

Answer 3

-there was broad consensus that action was necessary
-Labour wanted a UN resolution
-Conservatives wanted a democratic solution through cabinet committees
-Thatcher wanted to take personal command

Question 4

describe the conflict itself:

Answer 4

-started with british airstrikes on argentine forces on the islands
-enforced a 200 mile exclusion zone which didn’t deter argentine forces, but did buy GB some time
-US allowed GB to use bases but didn’t support with troops or forces
-Thatcher took the decision to sink the argentine ship Belgrano even though the military advised against it
-british forces reclaimed the capital on the 14th of June

Question 5

what were the political benefits of the war for thatcher?

Answer 5

-was celebrated as a war leader and likened to churchill
-military victory overseas was popular
-two key labour people - foot and kinnock - dipped n popularity
-thatcher’s personal approval ratings increased
-won the 1983 election (had 397 seats)

Question 6

how did the falklands war help her win the 1983 election?

Answer 6

-personally gained popularity as it showed her strong leadership
-credited with taking quick action once the news arrived, she bypassed the cabinet committee and set up the much more effective war cabinet
-the difficulties of pursuing the war (remote set of islands 8,000 miles from britain) reflected well on thatcher
-the victory increased national pride and enhanced the UK’s status in the eyes of the world
-the opposition parties mainly supported the war, meaning that public opinion and the press were behind it, meaning the tories would reap the credit for any victory
-financial cost of war was covered using a contingency reserve, therefore taxes didn’t have to be raised
-the tories were very unpopular before the war