Margaret Thatcher
was the 1st female prime minister of Britain who served three terms from 1979-1990.
She was nicknamed the “
Iron Lady,” for the tough administrative measures she took during her tenure.
Early Life
Thatcher was born in 1925. She became politically active in her youth while studying at the Oxford university
.
Political Career
Thatcher joined
Britain’s ‘Conservative party’ and became its leader in 1975.
In 1979
she became the 1st woman to be elected as the Prime Minister of the country.
At the time, Britain was in a state of economic and political turmoil
.
The govt. was nearly bankrupt
and was in conflict with labour unions.
Unemployment was also on the rise.
Privatization was her ‘mantra’
During her term as prime minister, Thatcher went for the massive privatization
of nationalised industries, social housing and public transport
.
She cut social welfare spending
and reduced trade union powers.
Won a War
In 1982, Thatcher swiftly sent British troops to successfully reclaim Falkland islands
located off Argentinawhich had invaded it.
The conflict came to be known as the Falklands War.
She survived an assassination attempt
on her life by IRA terrorists in a hotel in 1984.
During her 3rd term which started in 1987, she introduced reforms in health
and education
sectors.
They proved hugely unpopular and led to public protests
.
She had to resign
both as party leader and P.M in Nov. 1990.
She died in April 2013.