Body of the essayThe effect that the 1982 Falklands War had on Margaret Thatcher's political career, particularly the 1983 electionDuring the 1980s 70's and 80's, Britain was going through a difficult time and the government was facing many problems; the lack of free markets, the lack of public support and a failing economy. People were unhappy and dissatisfied 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 leading her party to election victory seemed almost impossible. (Garfinkel, 1985) According to the literature, in 1979 she was criticized for the failure of her program and her harshest critics claimed that she essentially lacked the ability to handle the job of Prime Minister. This criticism continued into 1981 and most people living in Britain were reluctant to give Thatcher even the first five years. She had managed to win the general election in 1979, but the general consensus was that unless the economy improved significantly, Thatcher would surely lose the election in 1983. However, no one had foreseen the Falklands War or the Thatcher's fighting spirit, as suggested when she famously said, “I have only one thing to say to you: turn around if you want; the Lady is not willing to turn away." (Gold, 2008). The Falklands War originated from the situation in which Argentina insisted that the Falkland Islands belonged to it, and that Br...... middle of paper . .....ence, according to (Marshall, 2007 ) The Falklands War in itself cannot be considered the sole reason for Margaret Thatcher's election victory in 1983. (Marshall, 2007) Despite the other factors discussed, it is clear see, looking at the evidence, that the Falklands War certainly had an impact on the economy the 1983 general election and on the popularity of Margaret Thatcher Influence and change people's mindset and perception of how Britain should be run and by what kind of people. However it may not have been the only reason for the victory as other factors mentioned certainly contributed to the general election victory in 1983. The Conservatives won a clear majority in 1983 and it was one of the biggest victories in landslide in British history, but it cannot be said that the Falklands factor was the only or main reason why such results occurred, other factors contributed.