Falklands War

(March–June 1982)

   An armed conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina over ownership of the Falkland Islands, also known in Spanish as the Islas Malvinas. The Falklands comprise two large and many small islands in the South Atlantic Ocean east of Argentina. Ownership of the Falklands had long been in dispute and periodically Argentine governments had laid claim to them. In 1982, the ruling Argentine military junta of President General Leopoldo Galtieri – in the midst of a devastating economic crisis and large-scale civil unrest – decided to mobilise support by renewing the claim. Tension over the islands increased when 50 Argentines landed on the British dependency of South Georgia (19 March) and raised their flag, an act that is seen as the first offensive action in the ensuing conflict. On 2 April, Galtieri ordered an invasion of the Falklands, triggering what was expected to be a short, easy war. Though initially taken by surprise by the Argentine attack on the South Atlantic islands, Britain quickly assembled a naval task force to engage the Argentine navy and air force and deployed Royal Marines for fighting on the ground. After heavy combat, the British were eventually victorious. Casualties were relatively low on both sides. The islands remain under British control, although Argentina continues to maintain its claim. In Britain, the war created a wave of patriotic sentiment which bolstered the position of the Thatcher Government and helped develop the impression of Prime Ministerial strength.