The Effect the 1982 Falklands War had on Margaret Thatcher’s Political Career

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The effect the 1982 Falklands War had on Margaret Thatcher’s political career, in particular the election in 1983
During the 1970s and 1980s, Britain was going through a difficult time and the Government was facing many problems; a lack of free markets, the public’s lack of support and a failing economy. People were unhappy and unsatisfied and for many people living in Britain, Margaret Thatcher was the reason why.
Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister in 1979 when the Conservatives won the general election. However; Thatcher was not the most popular politician of her time. Before 1982 according to sources, “No British leader in recent times had been so unpopular” (Garfinkel, 1985) Before 1982 she had very little support, even from her own Party, the idea Of Thatcher ever leading her party to an election win seemed nearly impossible. (Garfinkel, 1985)
According to the literature, by 1979 she was being criticized for the failure of her programme and her strongest critics were saying that she essentially did not have the ability to handle the Prime Minister’s job. These criticisms continued in 1981 and most people living in Britain were reluctant to give Thatcher even her first five years. She had managed to win the General Election in 1979 but the general opinion was that unless the economy improved dramatically, Thatcher would surely lose the election in 1983. However, no one had anticipated the Falklands War or Thatcher’s fighting spirit as suggested when she famously said, “I have only one thing to say: you turn if you want to; the Lady’s not for turning.” (Gold, 2008).
The Falklands War originated from the situation when Argentina insisted that the Falklands Islands belonged to it, and that Br...

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...ence, according to (Marshall, 2007) The Falklands War in itself cannot be considered the only reason for Margaret Thatcher's electoral victory in 1983. (Marshall, 2007)
Despite other factors discussed it is clear to see, looking at the evidence, that the Falklands War certainly did have an impact on the general election in 1983 and on Margaret Thatcher’s popularity. Influencing and changing people minds and perceptions of how Britain should be run and by what kind of person. However it may not have been the sole reason for the win as other factors mentioned certainly contributed to the General election win in 1983.The Conservatives had a clear majority win in 1983 and it was one of the biggest land slide victories in British history, but it cannot be said that the Falkland’s factor was the sole or main reason why those results occurred, other factors contributed.