Changes

|idd=+500

|idd=+500

|tld=.fk}}

|tld=.fk}}

The '''Falkland Islands''' are a small group of islands situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, 300 miles from the coast of [[Argentina]].  The two major islands, West and East Falkland, are separated by Falkland Sound.  There are numerous smaller islands.  The capital is Stanley, on East Falkland.  The islands are known as the "Islas Malvinas" to the Argentines.

The '''Falkland Islands''' are a small group of islands situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, 800miles from [[Buenos Airies]] the capital of [[Argentina]].  The two major islands, West and East Falkland, are separated by Falkland Sound.  There are numerous smaller islands.  The capital is Stanley, on East Falkland.  The islands are known as the "Islas Malvinas" to the Argentines.

==Sovereignty==

==Sovereignty==

The Islands have been a territory of the [[United Kingdom]] for 170 years, but the British claim to sovereignty is disputed by Argentina. A war was fought over the issue when Argentina seized the islands on April 2nd, 1982 without warning.  Argentina was run by a military junta at that time and was experiencing a time of economic difficulties and social unrest at home. The new government in Argentina saw capturing of the peaceful Falklands as a perfect solution to the social problems that were happening at the time. The military junta was suported by the [[Communist]] [[Soviet Union]].

The Islands have been a territory of the [[United Kingdom]] for 170 years, but the British claim to sovereignty is disputed by Argentina. A war was fought over the issue when Argentina seized the islands on April 2nd, 1982 without warning.  Argentina was run by a military junta at that time and was experiencing a time of economic difficulties and social unrest at home. The new government in Argentina saw capturing of the peaceful Falklands as a perfect solution to the social problems that were happening at the time. The military junta was suported by the [[Communist]] [[Soviet Union]].

The British, under [[Margaret Thatcher]], put together a naval expedition to travel half way around the world and retake the islands.  Strenuous diplomatic efforts were made to resolve the issue, and the Argentines were given a great deal of time to solve the conflict peacefully as the British slowly came closer, but their refusal to recognise the Islands' right of self-determination forced the British to use military force to expel the invaders.  British long-range air attacks (against the Islands' airport, then being used by the Argentinian air force) did not begin until 1st May, a month after the initial Argentinian invasion, with the naval battle beginning the following day.

The British, under [[Margaret Thatcher]], put together a naval expedition to travel approximately 8,000 miles and retake the islands.  Strenuous diplomatic efforts were made to resolve the issue, and the Argentines were given a great deal of time to solve the conflict peacefully as the British slowly came closer, but their refusal to recognise the Islands' right of self-determination forced the British to use military force to expel the invaders.  British long-range air attacks (against the Islands' airport, then being used by the Argentinian air force) did not begin until 1st May, a month after the initial Argentinian invasion, with the naval battle beginning the following day.

By the time the British naval fleet had arrived at the Falklands, there were several positions on the map where Argentinean soldiers had been positioned, most notably at the capital where there were 10,000 Argentinean soldiers fortified.  4,000 British Army soldiers and Royal Marines disembarked from Royal Navy vessels on 21st May and progressed on foot across East Falkland, fighting several battles on the way before capturing Stanley. On June 15th, the Falkland Islanders were liberated and the islands were returned to British control.

By the time the British naval fleet had arrived at the Falklands, there were several positions on the map where Argentinean soldiers had been positioned, most notably at the capital where there were 10,000 Argentinean soldiers fortified.  4,000 British Army soldiers and Royal Marines disembarked from Royal Navy vessels on 21st May and progressed on foot across East Falkland, fighting several battles on the way before capturing Stanley. On June 15th, the Falkland Islanders were liberated and the islands were returned to British control.