The Falklands War: A 10-Week Conflict That Shaped History

💥The Falklands War was a result of a complicated territorial dispute between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands.

🗺️The Falkland Islands were first claimed by the English, settled by the French, and governed by the Spanish. Argentina considered them an integral part of its colonial inheritance.

⚔️Britain and Argentina had a long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, which simmered until Argentina invaded South Georgia, a British territory, in 1982.

🔀The Falklands War escalated unexpectedly when a group of metal workers landed on South Georgia, leading to a sharp response from the UK and the Argentine military invading the Falkland Islands.

🚢The war officially began on April 1, 1982, with the landing of Argentine troops on the Falkland Islands. The conflict lasted for 10 weeks and ended with the surrender of the Argentine forces.

What caused the Falklands War?

—The Falklands War was caused by a long-standing territorial dispute between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands.

Who won the Falklands War?

—The UK won the Falklands War, resulting in the surrender of the Argentine forces and the restoration of British control over the Falkland Islands.

What were the effects of the Falklands War?

—The Falklands War had profound effects on both Britain and Argentina. It resulted in hundreds of casualties, a change in governments in both countries, and an increased sense of national identity for the Falkland Islanders.

How long did the Falklands War last?

—The Falklands War lasted for 10 weeks, from April to June 1982.

Why were the Falkland Islands important?

—The Falkland Islands were strategically important as a coaling station for Royal Navy ships operating in the South Atlantic. They also had economic potential due to their rich fishing grounds.

00:00On April 1, 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic controlled by the UK.

08:18The Argentine military landings on South Georgia and their refusal to leave led to a sharp escalation in the conflict.

12:25Argentine forces landed on the Falkland Islands, marking the official start of the war.

13:32The Argentine military surrounded the Royal Marine barracks but found them deserted.

13:43The Argentine military began pouring gunfire and tear gas into the empty barracks.