Falklands War Books

About Falklands War

The Falklands War (1982) was a brief but intense conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the disputed Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. On April 2, 1982, Argentina invaded and occupied the islands, claiming sovereignty based on historical and geographic arguments. In response, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dispatched a naval task force to retake the islands. The ensuing conflict included naval battles, air combat, and a series of amphibious assaults. Key moments included the sinking of the Argentine cruiser ARA General Belgrano and the loss of the British destroyer HMS Sheffield. Despite logistical challenges and fierce Argentine resistance, British forces recaptured the capital, Port Stanley, by mid-June, prompting Argentina’s surrender. The war lasted just over ten weeks but had significant consequences: over 900 soldiers and sailors died, and the conflict led to a surge in British national pride. Domestically, it bolstered Thatcher’s political standing, while in Argentina it led to the collapse of the ruling military junta. The Falklands War remains a sensitive subject in Anglo-Argentine relations and a symbol of post-colonial tension and national identity.