The History of The Falkland Islands

The History of the Falklands Islands is quite turbulent considering their small size and population. However, there have been many claims to ownership of the Islands, most notably by Britain, France, Spain and Argentina. The Falklands have been somewhat of a flash point for conflict throughout the years, their strategic importance belying their seeming insignificant nature. A dispute over ownership of the Falkland Islands nearly caused a war between Britain, France and Spain in 1770 and the even is widely referred to as the Falklands Crisis. However one of the more significant events in the history of the Falkland Islands is the brief Falklands war between the United Kingdom and Argentina in 1982, although neither country ever officially declared war.

The conflict was sparked by the Argentinean invasion and occupation of the islands, which were currently under British rule. The Argentineans saw this as an attempt to reclaim their own territory, whilst the British saw it as an invasion by a hostile aggressor and responded accordingly. As well as being a major even in the history of the Falkland Islands the brief conflict also had a profound effect on the history of both countries involved. The failure of the militaristic Argentine government, who ruled the country at that time, to capture the Falkland saw it fall out of favour with the Argentinean people and ultimate lead to their downfall. However the British success in the Falklands under Margaret Thatcher’s government can be seen as major factor in helping her government to stay in office after the 1983 election.

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