1

THE FALKLANDS WAR

Causes of War

The Falklands war happened on 2nd April to 14th June in

1982 and it lasted for 2months, 1week and 5 days. Its location
was on Falklands Islands, South Georgia and the South
Sandwich Islands.

History of Falkland Island

The islands were uninhabited when discovered by

Europeans. France established a colony on the islands in
1764. In 1765, a British captain claimed the islands for
Britain. In early 1770 a Spanish commander forcing the
British to leave Port Egmont. But the British government
decided that it should withdraw its presence from many
overseas settlements in 1774. Between 1764 and 1833, the
islands passed from one nation to another. First from France
to Spain, then to England, then back to Spain and finally,
since 1833, the Falkland have been under the British
authority. In 1888 Argentina began publishing maps that
included these previously disregarded islands within
Argentina borders but there were no great claims. Argentina’s
claim is based on it inheriting the islands when it declared
independence from Spanish rule in the early 1800s, although
it also states that its proximity to the islands should be a factor
in it taking sovereignty of them. The British claim to
sovereignty over the Falkland Islands is based on the
argument that with the exception of two months of illegal
occupation in 1982, British haw continuously, peacefully and
effectively inhabited and administered the islands since 1833.
It also bases its case on the principle of self -determination,
according to which the people of territories such as the
Falklands have the right to choose their own future and status.

The Beginning of Falklands war

However, by 1982, which flag flew over the Falklands

capital of Port Stanley was more than just a sovereignty issue,
and the Argentinian invaded as much by nationalism, stoked
up the ruling military junta in the country, and also public
opinion. Galtieri was looking for a way to distract
Argentinians from the challenges that the country was facing
and did not expect that the UK would be willing to enter a
conflict over a series of small and little-known islands situated
thousands of kilometers away. The UK government was
aware that not reacting to the Argentinian invasion would
harm its standing with the public. Plagued by high
unemployment figures, Thatcher had been struggling in the
polls and was having difficulty in asserting her authority over
het ruling Conservative Party. Criticisms over the proposed
handover of Hong Kong to China, which was being negotiated
in 1982 just as the Falklands War was flaring, had also made
the government seem weak in the eyes of its critics, so
entering what was seen as a winnable conflict, given the UK’s
naval strength, was an alluring prospect. In 2 April 1982,
Argentina invaded and occupied 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
engage the Argentine Navy and Air Force before making an
amphibious assault on the islands. The conflict lasted 74 days
and ended with an Argentine surrendered on 14 June,
returning the islands to British control.

What was happened in Argentina in 1982?

The National Reorganization Process (Spanish: Proceso

de Reorganización Nacional, often simply el Proceso, "the
Process") was the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina
from 1976 to 1983, which received support from the United
States until 1982.Jorge Rafael Videla's dictatorship began in
1976 but fell into decline in 1982What was happened in
Argentina in 1982? after a defeat in the Falklands War
(Spanish: Guerra de las Malvinas/Guerra del Atlántico Sur,
1982), and ended in 1983 with the democratic election of
President Raúl Alfonsín of the Radical Civic Union party
(UCR). From 1976 to 1983, Argentina was governed by a
military dictatorship that committed horrendous human rights
crimes, including torture, extrajudicial executions, and the
imprisonment of thousands without trial. The hallmark of
political repression in Argentina, however, was the practice of
enforced disappearance.

The Dirty War

The Dirty War in Argentina refers to an eight-year

period, between 1976 and 1983, in which a right-wing
government purged Argentina of left-wing “subversives”. The
Dirty War is defined by violent tactics, repression, and cover-
up. The Dirty War was fought on a number of fronts. The
junta dubbed left-wing activists “terrorists” and kidnapped
and killed an estimated 30,000 people. “Victims died during
torture, were machine-gunned at the edge of enormous pits, or
were thrown, drugged, from airplanes into the sea,”. The Dirty
War ended when Raul Alfonsin's civilian government took
control of the country on December 10, 1983. The democratic
governments that took power after the Dirty War followed the
military junta’s tactics of hiding key information and offering
pardons to military officials, preventing people from knowing
the truth about what happened to their loved ones. The torture
and cover-up tactics used by the government prevented
Argentine citizens from receiving much-needed closure in the
Dirty War, which means there is still trauma in Argentina that
people are attempting to reconcile.

Internal Situation of the Great Britain

In 1982, unemployment rose above three million for the

first time since the 1930s as Margaret Thatcher’s economic
policies – imposed to try to curb inflation – started to
bite.28Unemployed people are seen queuing for the dole in
Woolwich, east London, in 1982. The unemployment rate that
year reached beyond 3million and eventually climbed to more
than 4million later in the 1980s. The last time the level of
inflation went beyond nine per cent, in March 1982, Margaret
Thatcher was in her fourth year as Prime Minister. In
February 1982, the Daily Mail reported how shoppers were
changing their habits and going for cheaper foods in the face
of rising prices. It noted how rising prices had ‘particularly hit
the meat trade’. A news report later in 1982 reported on the
‘costly years’ and noted how inflation since the 1970s had hit
families hard. NHS nurses are seen on strike to demand a pay
rise of 12 per cent in September 1982. They were joined by
other health workers. In 1982, the year of the 9.1 per cent
inflation figure, NHS staff went on strike over pay in
September. With nurses campaigning for a 12 per cent pay
rise, the three-day strike shook the health service. Rail
workers also went on strike in 1982. Margaret Thatcher
insisted on the tough economic policies in an attempt to curb
inflation. Above: The then PM on a visit to China in 1982.
Inflation did start to come down, but not before the UK
economy spent the whole of 1980 and early 1981 in recession.
In 1982, the unemployment rate stood at 10.4 per cent, the
highest for 50 years, compared with 3.7 per cent today. The
IRA also carried out bomb attacks in 1982, with the most
infamous being the blasts in Hyde Park and Regents Park that
left eight soldiers and several horses dead.

Interrelations between major countries in 1982

The U.S.-Soviet relations which deteriorated following

the Afghanistan and Poland issues did not show any sign of
improvement in 1982 since they maintained their initial
positions on these issues. The negotiations on intermediate-
range nuclear forces (INF) which started in November 1981
ended its fourth round of talks at the end of March 1983,
while the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) launched
in June 1982 terminated its third round at the end of March
1983. It seems that the two nations' positions were still wide
apart. While promoting cooperation with its allies, the United
States stepped up its defense effort and demanded the Soviet
Union's self-restraint on its foreign policies taking strong
countermeasures such as the economic sanction that followed
the martial law proclaimed in Poland in December 1981. At
the same time, the United States intended to promote dialogue
with the Soviet Union on arms control and other issues in
which the two nations can find common interests. The United
States expressed its readiness to hold a U.S.-Soviet summit
meeting on condition that positive accomplishments from that
meeting is guaranteed. On the other hand, the new Soviet
regime, established after the death of General Secretary
Leonid I. Brezhnev, remained cautious about the U.S. hard
line policies against Moscow, while analyzing in detail
various actions taken by the Reagan administration. To
promote detente in a way advantageous to it, the Soviet Union
resorted to peace offensives. It supported the anti-nuclear and
anti-war movements and appealed to public opinion in the
West in an attempt to create apolitical gap between the United
States and Europe. The first in a series of U.S.-Soviet Foreign
Ministerial contacts in 1982 was held in Geneva in January
when Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and U.S.
Secretary of State Haig confirmed the basic positions of their
two countries to promote nuclear disarmament and dialogue
for this purpose between them. They met again in June,
September and October when" Foreign Minister Gromyko
visited the United States to attend the United Nations General
Assembly. At the occasion of the funeral for the late General
Secretary Brezhnev in November, the now General Secretary
Andropov and Foreign Minister Gromyko met with U.S. Vice
President Bush and Secretary of State Shultz. However, these
meetings did not produce any substantial result. Sino-Soviet
relations in 1982 were on a course considerably different from
that in 1981, as shown by such facts as the first vice-
ministerial meeting in October, the Foreign Ministers’ meeting
on the occasion of the funeral for General Secretary Brezhnev,
and the expansion of personnel exchanges, and trade and
economic relations. Trade between the two countries was
expanded, and agreements on cargo transportation and border
trade were signed. Further to that, new developments took
place in the form of visits to China by a Soviet team of field
athletes and the Boljshoi Ballet Team and also an agreement
on student exchange. The United States and European nations
exchanged views on East-West economic relations at the
Versailles Summit and other international meetings. Although
there had been a basic agreement between the United States
and European nations that political and security
considerations should be given when dealing with East-West
economic relations, they disagreed on specific means for that
end. An international effort was made to coordinate their
views, and Japan also took part in it. In November 1982,
major industrialized nations of the West reached a substantial
agreement to conduct specific studies in the fields of high
technology, energy and credit. Nonetheless, there is no basic
disagreement among the United States and European nations
on East-West relations including relations with the Soviet
Union, and the necessity of a military balance between the
East and the West.

Situation in Poland

The political situation in Poland has constituted an “axis”

of East-West relations in Europe for the past two-to-three
years. The Polish government stepped up its effort for
“normalizing” the country after breaking down the strong
resistance of its people against the martial law proclaimed on
Dec. 13, 1981. On July 21, 1982, Prime Minister Jaruzelski
indicated in the congress that martial law may be lifted by the
end of 1982, and also announced a decision to release some
political prisoners. Even since then, however, Polish people
have frequently expressed their dissatisfaction with the
government indirect and indirect ways. After discussing the
Poland issue at the foreign ministers’ meeting of the European
Community and that of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) in January 1982, major nations of the
West called on Poland to immediately take actions to improve
the domestic situation (such as the termination of martial law,
the release of detainees, and government negotiations with the
church and Solidarity), and also announced sanctions against
Poland. The Western nations, while discussing the Polish
situation at EC, NATO and other international forums, still
maintain sanctions on the grounds that, although there are
signs to indicate some improvement, there is no real
improvement. The United States suspended most-favored-
nation treatment in respect of tariffs on goods from Poland in
October 1982 following the introduction of Poland’s new
labor union law.

Situation in Middle East

On 6 June 1982, Israeli forces under direction of Defense

Minister Ariel Sharon launched a three-pronged invasion of
southern Lebanon in “Operation Peace for Galilee”. As to the
Persian Gulf region, the Soviet military invasion into
Afghanistan in 1979, the Iranian revolution and the
intensification of the Iran-Iraq conflict in 1980 had a far-
reaching effect on the situation there. Under these
developments, the Gulf Cooperation Council was formed in
1981 and its member states reinforced their cooperative
relationship gradually to the extent that the 3rd summit
meeting of the GCC nations was held in November 1982.

Situation in Latin America

In April 1982, the conflicts arose between Argentina and

Great Britain over the territorial sovereignty of the Falkland
Islands (Malvinas). Almost all the Latin American countries
supported the Argentine stance. At the beginning, the U.S.
Attempted to mediate between the two countries from a
neutral position but later took a pro-Britain attitude, causing
many Latin American countries to become critical of the U.S.
Yet, the U.S. Government supported the resolution submitted
jointly by the Latin American countries to the UN General
Assembly in November that year. In addition, President
Reagan made an official visit to Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica
and Honduras, beginning late November, as part of the
American efforts to mend ties with Latin America which
turned sour in the wake of the Falkland dispute. And the
American attempt has led to restoration of relations with this
region to a considerable degree.

What was The 1980s era called?

 The 1980s were known as the ‘Decade of Decadence’ or
the ‘Era of Excess’. The era was characterized by an
explosion in consumerism, demand for designer brands and
luxury goods, and income inequality. Bold and daring fashion,
colorful clothing emblematic of the era, and pop culture were
integral to society. The 1980s saw significant developments in
foreign policy, including the strengthening of U.S. Military
power, the Cold War sparked proxy wars and global
instability, and three critical turning points: the Reagan
Doctrine, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and the Fall of the
Berlin Wall.

Leader Concept

Thatcher served as Britain’s first female Prime Minister

from 1979 to 1990. She was known as “The Iron Lady which
means strong-willed woman “. She was more likely
charismatic, direct, logical. Thatcher’s decision to go to war to
recover the islands was at odds with several members of
Parliament and close advisers. Thatcher fight The Falklands
War for two reasons; (1) The need to respond to attack against
her government for not having prevented the disaster, (2) The
need to develop and carry out a strategy to repair the damage.
After her decision of war was achieved by Argentina
surrender, she became respectable leader. He was the
president and former Argentine military dictator, who led his
country into a disastrous war with Britain over The Falkland
Islands in 1982. Galtieri was declining popularity due to his
civil rights abuses and the worsening economic crisis in
Argentina caused him to order an invasion of The Falkland
Islands in April 1982. After Argentina’s defeat in The
Falklands War, Galtieri was removed from power.

Public Opinion

Margaret Thatcher’s decision was against by many

people before the war broke out and some leaders also didn’t
think they could win. The UK defeated Argentina invasion
made British people think it was important and related to their
domestic crisis so they recognize the action of Thatcher. At
first, Argentina people were persuaded by Galtieri’s speech of
patriotism and agreed with his decision. But after the
surrender to British, public became hated towards Galtieri for
his action upon them and they felt ashamed themselves about
The Falklands War.
Types of war

The Falklands War can be classified as a conventional

limited war. It was a conflict fought using traditional military
forces and tactics by Argentina and the United Kingdom. The
term "limited war" refers to a conflict that is limited in scope,
geographic area, or the level of military objectives. In the case
of the Falklands War: Conventional Forces: Both Argentina
and the UK primarily used regular military forces, such as
naval vessels, aircraft, and ground troops. The conflict did not
involve weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or
unconventional ways. Limited Scope: The war focused on the
Falkland Islands and nearby areas, without expanding to a
global scale. The geographic scope of the conflict remained
limited to the South Atlantic region. Military Objectives: The
main objective of both sides was to gain control over the
Falkland Islands. The conflict did not involve broader
territorial purposes beyond the islands and the surrounding
waters.

Tactics

British Tactics: performed a successful amphibious

attack on the Falkland Islands, established air superiority to
control the airspace, used special forces for intelligence,
reconnaissance, and sabotage and used Harrier jump jets for
close air support and defense. Argentine Tactics: conducted a
surprise invasion of the Falkland Islands, used air strikes on
British naval vessels and troops, used Exocet missiles to target
British ships, used guerrilla warfare tactics and built
fortifications. Both sides used a combination of conventional
military strategies, naval and air operations, special forces
actions, and defensive tactics to achieve their objectives
during the war.

Costs of war

Followings are the estimated costs of both Argentina and

the United Kingdom during the Falklands War in 1982.

Direct Military Expenses

The UK’s military expenditures included mobilizing and

deploying a task force consisting of naval vessels, aircraft,
and ground troops. The direct military costs were estimated to
be around £2.8 billion (equivalent to roughly $4.5 billion
USD at the time). Argentina’s military expenditures included
deploying troops, naval vessels, and aircraft to the Falkland
Islands. Estimates for these direct costs vary widely, ranging
from several hundred million to several billion dollars.

Troops

The strength of British troops was 25,948 personnel and

it lost 255 military personnel while the strength of Argentina
troops was around 12,000 personnel and it lost 649 military
personnel.

Aircraft

Britain possessed over 100 aircraft of varying types and

its casualties was around 28 aircraft. On the other hand,
Argentina possessed around 122 combat aircraft and it lost
around 33 aircraft.

Ships

Britain had 127 ships and it lost 6 naval vessels while

Argentina had around 40 to 45 naval vessels and it lost around
8 to 10 naval vessels.

Result of Falkland

What was the result of Falkland War?

The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine

surrender on 14 June, returning the islands to British control.
In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military
personnel, and three Falkland Islanders were killed during the
hostilities. Britain: On 14th June 1982, a ceasefire was agreed
between British and Argentina forces. Every civilian and
serviceman who participated in the Falkland Conflict was
awarded a campaign medal, the South Atlantic Medal.
Argentina: The loss of the Malvinas was something which
spoke very deeply to the Argentina sense of national identity.
President Galtieri was soon forced to resign and military junta
was forced to step down. The restoration of democratic
government helped Argentina to improve many of its
international relationships. but diplomatic relations with
Britain were not restored until 1990. Argentina forged new
military alliances but also had to make significant cuts to its
armed forces.

Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands remained a self-governing British

overseas territory, but shortly after the war the British
Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983 granted the Islanders
British citizenship (replacing British Dependent Territories
citizenship), strengthening the link between the Islanders and
the UK.

Who controls the Falkland Islands?

The British government controlled the Falkland Islands.

The islands are self-governing, although foreign affairs and
defensible matters are handled by the British government.
There is no party-political activity on the islands. A new
constitution to enhance the powers of the Executive Council
came into force on 1 January 2009.

Conclusion

The Falklands War was a ten-week undeclared

war between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over
two British dependent territories in the South Atlantic:
the Falkland Islands and its territorial dependency, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The Falklands War
between the United Kingdom and Argentina did not result in
NATO involvement because Article 6 of the North Atlantic
Treaty specifies that collective self-defense is applicable only
to attacks on member state territories north of the Tropic of
Cancer.

Relation between UK and Argentina

Diplomatic relations were cut off before the Falklands

War in 1982 and were reinstated in 1989. Post-war relations
between the two countries improved significantly up until the
mid-2000s. During the government of Cristina Fernández de
Kirchner, relations became increasingly tense, with Argentina
reasserting their claims to the Falkland Islands. In 2016,
British Prime Minister David Cameron and Argentine
President Mauricio Macri held a meeting where they agreed to
begin a new stage of dialogue and friendship between the two
countries and reaffirming the strong relationship the two
countries have historically. Argentina later withdrew from this
agreement in 2023. 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. No change in either country's position
regarding the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands was made
explicit. In 1994, Argentina adopted a new constitution, which
declared the Falkland Islands as part of one of its provinces by
law. However, the islands continue to operate as a self-
governing British Overseas Territory. The conflict had a
strong effect in both countries. Patriotic sentiment ran high in
Argentina, but the unfavorable outcome prompted large
protests against the ruling military government, hastening its
downfall and the democratization 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.

Members of Group-12

1. Khin Phyu Phyu Thant

2. Ei Zin Phyo
3. Ja Seng Bu
4. Mya Hmue Khin
5. Yoon Htet Htet Aung