Falklands War

Quick Facts: Who was Falklands War?

Subject:

Falklands War

Known for:

A 1982 undeclared war between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Falklands War (Spanish: Guerra de las Malvinas) was a ten-week war in the South Atlantic in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over possession of the Falkland Islands (Spanish: Islas Malvinas) and its dependencies of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The conflict began on 2 April 1982 when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, followed by the invasion of South Georgia the next day. On 5 April, the British government dispatched a naval task force to regain possession of the islands. The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender on 14 June, which formally returned possession to Britain. In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and 3 Falkland Islanders were killed during the hostilities.

Career & Major Achievements

The conflict was a major episode in the protracted dispute over the territories' sovereignty. Argentina claimed and maintains that the islands are Argentine territory, and the Argentine government thus described its military action as the reclamation of its own territory. The British government, however, regarded the action as an invasion of a territory that had been a Crown colony since 1841. Falkland Islanders, who have inhabited the islands since the early 19th century, are predominantly descendants of British settlers, and strongly favour British sovereignty. Neither state officially declared war, although both governments declared the islands a war zone.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The conflict had a strong effect in both countries and has been the subject of various books, articles, films, and songs. Patriotic sentiment ran high in Argentina, but the unfavourable outcome prompted large protests against the ruling military government, hastening its downfall and the democratisation of the country. In the United Kingdom, the Conservative government, bolstered by the successful outcome, was re-elected with an increased majority the following year. The cultural and political effect of the conflict has been less in the UK than in Argentina, where it has remained a common topic for discussion. Diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Argentina were restored in 1989 following a meeting in Madrid, at which the two governments issued a joint statement.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1841: 1841 Milestone — The British government, however, regarded the action as an invasion of a territory that had been a Crown colony since 1841.
2. 1982: 1982 Milestone — The Falklands War (Spanish: Guerra de las Malvinas) was a ten-week war in the South Atlantic in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over possession of the Falkland Islands (Spanish: Islas Malvinas) and its dependencies of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
3. 1989: 1989 Milestone — Diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Argentina were restored in 1989 following a meeting in Madrid, at which the two governments issued a joint statement.

Notable Quotes by Falklands War

“If we don't do something, they will invade. And there is nothing we could do.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Falklands War

True or False: “The conflict was officially declared a war by both the United Kingdom and Argentina at the outset of hostilities.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Neither state officially declared war; however, both governments did declare the islands a war zone.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• Ahmed al-Sharaa — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): Syrian statesman who led opposition forces, establishing the Syrian Salvation Government.
• Agustín Gamarra — Historical peer (Died in 1841) (1841): Peruvian soldier and politician who served twice as President of Peru in the 1800s.
• Ahmed Urabi — Historical peer (Born in 1841) (1841): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• A. J. Ayer — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Abbie Hoffman — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Iconic American activist, co-founder of the Yippies, and counterculture figure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Falklands War