Changes

Thatcher was chosen to be the leader of the Conservative Party in February 1975, succeeding former Prime Minister [[Edward Heath]]. She was opposed to socialism and out-of-control union power which had brought down the previous Conservative government in 1974. She led the Conservatives to victory in the May 1979 [[General Election]] and was thus appointed Prime Minister.  

Thatcher was chosen to be the leader of the Conservative Party in February 1975, succeeding former Prime Minister [[Edward Heath]]. She was opposed to socialism and out-of-control union power which had brought down the previous Conservative government in 1974. She led the Conservatives to victory in the May 1979 [[General Election]] and was thus appointed Prime Minister.  

Lady Thatcher sold many of the nationalised industries back to private investors and made tax cuts. Thatcher stood up against the powerful trade unions, thus destroying the British coal and encouraging newspaper industries by breaking the power of the unions who had a stranglehold over these industries. During her reign unemployment reached 50% and the economy nearly crashed. Due to her strong standards and her leadership style, she became known as the "Iron Lady," a term originally coined as an insult by the communist [[Soviet Union]], but one she adopted with glee. A famous statement of hers was that "the lady is not for turning", in reference to calls from within her own party to back down on issues that were important to her. Thatcher was always a strong supporter of the the [[United States]], and was a good friend of President [[Ronald Reagan]], uniting with him in actions against the Communists.   

Lady Thatcher sold many of the nationalised industries back to private investors and made tax cuts. Thatcher stood up against the powerful trade unions, thus encouraging the British coal and newspaper industries by breaking the power of the unions who had a stranglehold over these industries. Due to her strong standards and her leadership style, she became known as the "Iron Lady," a term originally coined as an insult by the communist [[Soviet Union]], but one she adopted with glee. A famous statement of hers was that "the lady is not for turning", in reference to calls from within her own party to back down on issues that were important to her. Thatcher was always a strong supporter of the the [[United States]], and was a good friend of President [[Ronald Reagan]], uniting with him in actions against the Communists.   

She led Britain to victory against [[Argentina]] in a 1982 war over sovereignty of the [[Falkland Islands]]. The United States was allied with both countries,  and initially tried to broker a negotiated settlement. When that failed,  the U.S. supported Britain and not Argentina with vital intelligence information. The conflict led to a strong friendship with the Chilean military dictator [[Pinochet]] after Chile helped Britain in the conflict.

She led Britain to victory against [[Argentina]] in a 1982 war over sovereignty of the [[Falkland Islands]]. The United States was allied with both countries,  and initially tried to broker a negotiated settlement. When that failed,  the U.S. supported Britain and not Argentina with vital intelligence information. The conflict led to a strong friendship with the Chilean military dictator [[Pinochet]] after Chile helped Britain in the conflict.