Falkland/Malvinas War

Political Repercussions and Territorial Changes:
• Territorial changes – Britain gain the Falkland Islands, Argentina lose
• Political repercussions:
– Argentina: loss prompt protests against the military government, ultimately leading to it’s downfall, war more impactful on Argentina, Argentine defeat profoundly affected the resolution of the Beagle conflict and led to to Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1984 between Chile and Argentina
– United Kingdom: political morale boost, help Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to win 1983 general election (which was previously undetermined)
– Falkland Islands: full British citizenship restored in 1983, lifestyle was improved by investments Britain made after the war and liberalization of economic measures that had been stalled through fear of angering Argentina. 1985, new constitution was enacted promoting self-government, which has continued to delegate power to the islanders.
• Cultural and political weight: less effect on the British public than Argentina, where the war is still a topic of discussion
• Diplomatic relations between the UK and Argentina were not restored until 1989 under a formula which put the issue of sovereignty to one side