The History of the Falklands War

Disputed Sovereignty

• The United Kingdom first declared sovereignty over the Falklands in 1833, although Argentina has always disputed the British claim.

Argentinean Invasion

• Argentinean armed forces invaded the islands on April 2, 1982. With only a few Royal Marines at his disposal, Governor Rex Hunt was forced to surrender the islands.

British Response

• British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared a 200 kilometer, or 125 mile, exclusion zone around the islands, and sent a military and naval task force to regain control.

Combat

• The first combat took place on May 1, 1982, when Argentinean planes attacked British ships. The first British troops landed on May 21.

End of Hostilities

• The Argentinean armed forces surrendered on June 14, 1982, and Governor Rex Hunt was able to resume his position less than 10 days later. An estimated 649 Argentineans and 255 British servicemen, along with three Falklands civilians, had been killed.

Current Status

• The Falklands remain an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom today.