In 1982, Argentina, led by Leopoldo Galtieri, invaded the Falkland Islands, a British territory, seeking to distract from economic issues. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher swiftly assembled a task force and recaptured the islands after fierce battles and air superiority. The war claimed lives and left minefields. The islands remain British, as confirmed by a 2013 referendum, and recent oil discoveries strengthen British control. Argentina maintains a claim, but the Falklanders' preference for British rule and strategic interests make a change unlikely.
**Key Facts:**
1. English mariner John Strong was asked to locate the wreck of a Spanish treasure ship in Chile.
2. The Falkland Islands were initially discovered by the English, who established a colony in 1765.
3. The French and Spanish also claimed the Falklands, leading to disputes and settlements.
4. Spain temporarily took control from the French but later relinquished it to the English.
5. The islands were left uninhabited for decades until a merchant from Hamburg set up trade.
6. Argentina tried to reclaim the Falklands in 1982, leading to the Falklands War.
7. Margaret Thatcher, as the UK's leader, organized a task force to reclaim the islands.
8. The war involved naval battles, air raids, and ground operations.
9. British forces successfully retook the Falklands, resulting in Argentine surrender on June 14, 1982.
10. The war claimed hundreds of lives and left minefields on the islands.
11. In a 2013 referendum, Falklanders voted overwhelmingly (99.8%) in favor of remaining British.
12. The discovery of oil near the islands reinforces the British position.