Margaret Thatcher

The first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and a pioneer in conservative politics.

Margaret Thatcher, often referred to as the "Iron Lady," was a pivotal figure in late 20th-century politics who became the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. Her tenure marked significant shifts in both domestic policy and international relations.

Thatcher was known for her strong conservative policies, which emphasized deregulation, a free market economy, and reducing the power of trade unions. She aggressively pursued privatisation of state-owned enterprises, reshaping the British economy. Explore her tenure on the UK government site.

On the global stage, Thatcher played a crucial role in fostering the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, working closely with U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Her foreign policy was marked by her staunch opposition to the Soviet Union, contributing to the end of the Cold War.

Her political legacy is complex and polarizing. While some laud her for reviving Britain's economy and restoring national pride post-Falklands War, others criticize her policies for increasing unemployment and widening the gap between the rich and poor. Thatcher's influence on British politics resonates to this day, with her ideas shaping debates on economic policy and social welfare.