Chronology

A chronological timeline of Margaret Thatcher's life, political career and major historical events.

Margaret Thatcher's Premiership

Explore the key events, legislation and turning points that defined Margaret Thatcher's premiership and continue to influence Britain today.

1979May

General Election

Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister

Following the 1979 General Election, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first female Prime Minister, beginning eleven years in office.

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1980August

Policy

Housing Act 1980

Parliament passed the Housing Act 1980, introducing the Right to Buy scheme for eligible council tenants in England and Wales.

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1982April-June

Foreign Policy

Falklands War

Following Argentina's invasion of the Falkland Islands, Britain launched a military task force to retake the territory, securing victory in June 1982.

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1984March

Industrial Dispute

Miners'Strike

A year-long industrial dispute between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Government became one of the defining events of Thatcher's premiership.

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1986October

Economic Policy

Big Bang

Financial reforms transformed the operation of the London Stock Exchange, modernising Britain's financial markets.

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