Margaret Thatcher - biography, information, personal life. Domestic policy M

Margaret Thatcher is one of the most famous heads of government in the United Kingdom. She was the first woman to take one of the main posts in one of the most influential states. The future female prime minister was born in October 1925. Her father worked as a grocer. From 1947 to 1951 she worked in the chemical industry.

In 1950, she made the first attempt to be elected to the British Parliament, but failed, losing the election. In 1953 she was educated as a lawyer, and a year later she began to work by profession. But in 1959, parliamentary elections were held, in which Margaret Thatcher was able to win and become a deputy. From 1961-1964 she served as junior minister of social security, and from 1970 to 1974 she was minister of science and education. After the defeat of the Conservative Party in the 1974 elections, she was appointed to the post of party leader. And already on next elections in 1979, her party won, and she, as the leader of the winning party, took the place of the chairman of the government.

The first woman prime minister began her work by improving the state of the economy. It cut government spending and cut funding for unprofitable companies. Some state manufacturing enterprises were sold or leased to individuals. It was very afraid of inflation and believed that it was much more dangerous than unemployment.

For the toughness of defending her position and making decisions, Margaret Thatcher received the nickname "Iron Lady", under which she entered world history.

In 1982, she was one of the most ardent supporters of sending British troops to the shores of the Falkland Islands, occupied by Argentina. This helped her and her party win a landslide victory in the 1983 parliamentary elections.

She was a principled prime minister and, during the miners' strike in 1984-1985, did not go along with their demands. Thus, she managed to keep the tariffs. In the elections in 1987, her party won again and Margaret Thatcher became prime minister for a third term. And in modern history this is a very great achievement.

She was opposed to integration into the European monetary systems. As a result, among the conservatives, there was growing discontent with the policy pursued by Margaret Thatcher in this direction.

In November 1990, the era of the "Iron Lady" reign ended. Margaret Thatcher has retired. After retirement, she was a member of the House of Commons for several more years, but retired two years later. In 2007, a monument was erected to Margaret Thatcher. This monument was the first monument to a living ex-prime minister. In 2013, Margaret Thatcher passed away. She was 87 years old.

Margaret Thatcher was an economic innovator, she tried to preserve the state economy, but she was not understood. Modern British politicians are increasingly returning to the course set by the "iron lady"

Interesting Facts and dates from life

Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1979. She was the first female prime minister in the Western world and has been the longest serving British prime minister in the 20th century. In addition, she is rightfully considered the most important political figure in the country since Winston Churchill. Margaret Thatcher, 87, died Monday after suffering a stroke. Below are some important facts and events from the life of the Iron Lady.

In October 1980, at a Conservative Party conference, Thatcher gave the famous speech in defense of her free market economic policy. Former Prime Minister Ted Heath and other politicians have called on Thatcher to abandon the economic approach that has exacerbated unemployment and drove the country into recession. However, she refused to change the course she had chosen. “For those who are waiting with bated breath for the so-called“ reversal ”, I can only say one thing: the ladies do not turn around,” Thatcher said at the time.


In April 1982, Argentine forces occupied the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Thatcher immediately dispatched troops to reclaim the islands. The war reached its climax when the Argentine warship ARA General Belgrano sank, killing more than 300 crew members. British submarine HMS Conqueror sank Belgrano with two torpedoes on May 2, 1982.


A ceasefire was signed on June 14, 1982, and Argentine troops surrendered from the Falkland Islands on the same day.


Beginning in 1984, Thatcher fought desperately against the National Union of Miners, in whose hands a lot of power was concentrated. As a result of protracted and bloody battles, the union lost, which gave the Iron Lady the opportunity to consolidate power and defend her economic policy... The closure of trade unions led to massive unemployment.


Thatcher, who coincided with the presidency of Ronald Reagan in the United States, became Reagan's political confidant in Europe. The two are often credited with a key role in the demise Soviet Union.


On October 12, 1984, the Irish Republican Army attempted thatcher's life by bombing the Grand Hotel in Brighton. As a result, five people died, although Thatcher herself and her husband managed to avoid injury. “This is a day I shouldn't have seen,” the prime minister said after the bombing.


Large riots erupted in London on Sunday 31 March 1990 to protest the poll tax imposed by Margaret Thatcher, the so-called Community Charge. About 200,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square in London to protest the imposition of the tax. It all ended in bloody clashes between the protesters and the police. In the future, it was the introduction of the tax and the protests that contributed to the fall of Thatcher's power.


Iron Lady in last years of her reign, she was isolated even among her own party members. Differences of opinion about taxation, economic reforms and policies towards the emerging European Union led Thatcher to resign in November 1990.

Thatcher Margaret Hilda (born 1925), Prime Minister of Great Britain (1979-1990).

She was born on October 13, 1925 in the city of Grantham in the family of a grocer. After leaving school, she studied at Oxford University, in 1947-1951. worked as a research chemist.

In 1950, she ran for the first time in parliamentary elections, but failed.

In 1953 Thatcher received her legal education, after which she practiced law (1954-1957). In 1959 she was elected to parliament.

In 1961-1964. Thatcher served as Undersecretary for Pensions and Social Security from 1970-1974. - Post of Minister of Education and Science.

After the defeat of the Conservative Party in the elections (1974), Thatcher was elected as its leader. In the May 1979 elections, the Conservatives won, and Thatcher became prime minister.

She linked her program to improve the economy with a reduction in government spending, an end to subsidizing unprofitable enterprises, and the transfer of state corporations to private ownership; considered inflation to be a greater danger than unemployment.

Firmness in defending one's views, rigidity in implementing decisions taken secured the title of "Iron Lady" for Thatcher.

In 1982, she sent British troops to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), which were captured by Argentina. In the June 1983 elections, after a convincing victory for the Conservatives, Thatcher retained her post and continued on her course.

In 1984-1985. she did not make concessions during the strike of the miners, thereby preserving low prices for fuel and electricity. Inflation has decreased and labor productivity has increased. In the June 1987 elections, Thatcher, for the first time in the history of modern Great Britain, remained prime minister for a third term.

But resistance to UK integration into the European monetary system has angered the Conservatives with their leader.

After stepping down as prime minister, Thatcher served for two years as a member of the House of Commons for Finchley. In 1992, at the age of 66, she decided to leave the British Parliament, which, in her opinion, gave her the opportunity to more openly express her opinion on certain events.

In February 2007, Thatcher became the first Prime Minister of Great Britain to whom a monument was erected in the British Parliament during his lifetime (the official opening took place on February 21, 2007 in the presence of a former politician).

Nowadays women in politics will not surprise anyone. But when Margaret Thatcher started her career, it was nonsense in the puritanical and conservative society of Great Britain. She was condemned and hated. Only due to her character, she continued to "bend her line" and go towards the intended goals.

Today her persona can serve as both an example and an anti-example. She is the perfect example of how commitment leads to success. Also, her experience can serve as a reminder - being too categorical can lead to failure and unpopularity.

In what way did Thatcher's "irony" manifest itself? Why do many people hate her even after death?

Difficult character since childhood

« The Iron Lady”Did not suddenly become such - her difficult character was already traced in childhood. The father had a very big influence on the girl.

Margaret Thatcher (nee Roberts) was born on October 13, 1925. Her parents were common people, mother - a dressmaker, father - from the family of a shoemaker. Due to poor eyesight, the father was unable to continue the family business. In 1919 he was able to open his first grocery store, and in 1921 the family opened a second store.

Father

Despite his simple origins, Margaret's father had a strong character and an extraordinary mind. He started his career as a sales assistant - and was able to independently become the owner of two shops.

Later, he achieved even greater success, and became a respected citizen of his city. He was a workaholic who took every free minute. different kinds Activities - worked in a shop, studied politics and economics, served as a pastor, was a member of the city council - and even a mayor.

He devoted a lot of time to raising his daughters. But this upbringing was specific. The children in the Roberts family had to do useful things all the time.

The family paid considerable attention to their intellectual development, but the emotional sphere was practically ignored. It was not customary in the family to show tenderness and other emotions.

From here comes the restraint, severity and coldness of Margaret.

These traits both helped and hurt her throughout her life and career.

School and University

Margaret's teachers respected her, but she was never their favorite. Despite diligence, hard work and the ability to memorize entire pages of text, she did not have an imagination and an outstanding mind. It was flawlessly "correct" - but apart from being correct, there were no other distinguishing features.

She also did not win much love among her classmates. She was reputed to be a typical "crammer" who was, moreover, too boring. Her statements were always categorical, and she could argue until the opponent surrenders.

Throughout her life, Margaret had only one friend. Even with own sister she did not have a warm relationship.

Studying at the university only tempered her already difficult character. Women in those days were only recently allowed to study at universities. The bulk of Oxford students at that time were young people from rich and distinguished families.

In such an uncomfortable environment, she became even colder.

She had to constantly show "needles".

Video: Margaret Thatcher. The path of the "Iron Lady"

Personal life of the "Iron Lady"

Margaret was beautiful girl... Unsurprisingly, even with her complex nature, she attracted many young people.

At the university, she met a young man from an aristocratic family. But their relationship from the very beginning was doomed - the parents would not allow kinship with the family of the owner of the grocery store.

However, at that time the norms of British society softened slightly - and if Margaret were gentle, diplomatic and cunning, she could have won them favor.

But this path was not for this categorical girl. Her heart was broken, but she didn't show it. Emotions need to be kept to yourself!

To remain unmarried in those years was practically a sign of bad manners, and the fact that "there is clearly something wrong with the girl." Margaret was not actively looking for a husband. But, since she was always surrounded by men in her party activities, sooner or later she would have met a suitable candidate.

And so it happened.

Love and marriage

In 1951, she met Denis Thatcher, a former military man and a wealthy businessman. The meeting took place at a luncheon honoring her as a Conservative nominee in Dartford.

At first, she conquered him not with her mind and character - Denis was blinded by her beauty. The age difference between them was 10 years.

Love at first sight did not happen. But they both realized that they were good partners for each other, and their marriage had a chance of success. Their characters converged - he did not know how to communicate with women, was ready to support her in everything and did not interfere in most issues. And Margaret needed financial support, which Denis was ready to provide.

Constant communication and recognition of each other led to the emergence of feelings.

However, Denis was not such an ideal candidate - he loved to drink, and in his past there was already a divorce.

This, of course, could not please her father - but by that time Margaret was already making her own decisions.

The relatives of the bride and groom were not too happy about the wedding, but the future Thatcher couple did not care much. And time has shown that it was not in vain - their marriage was incredibly strong, they supported each other, loved - and were happy.

Children

In 1953, the couple had twins, Carol and Mark.

The lack of an example in the family of her parents led to the fact that Margaret did not manage to become a good mother. She generously endowed them, trying to give them everything that she herself did not have. But she did not know the most important thing - how to give love and warmth.

She saw little with her daughter, and their relationship remained cool for the rest of their lives.

At one time, her father wanted a boy, and she was born. The son became the embodiment of her dreams, this desired boy. She spoiled him and allowed him everything. With such an upbringing, he grew up quite headstrong, capricious and adventurous. He enjoyed all the privileges, and everywhere he looked for profit. He caused a lot of problems - debts, problems with the law.

Spousal partnership

The 50s of the 20th century is a fairly conservative time. Most of the "doors" are closed to women. Even if you have some kind of career, family and home remain in the first place.

Men are always in the first roles, men are at the head of families, and the interests and career of a man always come first.

But in the Thatcher family, it was not like that. The former military and successful businessman became the shadow and reliable rear of his Margaret. He rejoiced for her after victories, consoled her after defeats and supported her during the struggle. He always followed her discreetly and modestly, did not abuse the many opportunities that opened up thanks to her position.

With all this, Margaret remained loving woman, was ready to obey her husband - and leave her affairs for his sake.

She was not only a politician and leader, but also a simple woman for whom family values ​​are important.

They were together until Denis's death in 2003. Margaret survived him by 10 years and died in 2013 on April 8 due to a stroke.

Her ashes were buried next to her husband.

Thatcher and the USSR

Margaret Thatcher disliked the Soviet regime. She practically did not hide it. Many of her actions in one way or another influenced the deterioration of the economic and political situation, and then - and the disintegration of the country.

It is now known that the so-called "arms race" was provoked by false information. The United States and Great Britain allowed the alleged leak of information, according to which their countries had much large quantity weapons.

From the British side, this "leak" was made at the initiative of Thatcher.

Believing false information, the Soviet authorities began to significantly increase the cost of weapons production. As a result, people faced a "shortage" when it was impossible to buy the simplest consumer goods. And this led to discontent.

The economy of the USSR was undermined not only by the "arms race". The country's economy was highly dependent on oil prices. By agreement between Britain, the United States and the countries of the East, a drop in oil prices was carried out.

Thatcher lobbied for the deployment of American weapons and military bases in the UK and Europe. She also actively supported the increase in the nuclear potential of her country. Such actions only exacerbated the prevailing Cold war situation.

Thatcher met Gorbachev at Andropov's funeral. In the early 80s, he was little known. But even then he was personally invited by Margaret Thatcher. During this visit, she showed her affection for him.

After this meeting, she said:

"You can deal with this person."

Thatcher did not hide her desire to destroy the USSR. She carefully studied the constitution of the Soviet Union - and realized that it is imperfect, there are some loopholes in it, thanks to which any republic can secede from the USSR at any time. There was only one obstacle to this - strong hand the Communist Party, which would not allow this. The subsequent weakening and destruction of the Communist Party under Gorbachev made this possible.

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One of her statements about the USSR is quite shocking.

She once expressed this idea:

"On the territory of the USSR, the residence of 15 million people is economically justified"

This quote has generated significant resonance. They immediately began to interpret it in different ways. There were also comparisons with Hitler's ideas to exterminate most of the population.

In fact, Thatcher expressed such an idea - the economy of the USSR is ineffective, only 15 million of the population are effective and needed by the economy.

However, even from such a restrained statement, one can understand her attitude towards the country and people.

Video: Margaret Thatcher. The woman at the pinnacle of power

Unpopular decisions and dislike of the people

Margaret's categorical nature made her quite unpopular among the people. Her policy was aimed at future changes and improvements. But during these events, many people suffered, lost their jobs and livelihoods.

She was called the "milk thief". Traditionally, in British schools, children received free milk. But in the 50s, it ceased to be popular with children - more fashionable drinks appeared. Thatcher canceled this expense item, which caused considerable dissatisfaction.

British society is not used to this behavior of a politician, let alone a woman. Many of her statements are shocking and inhumane.

So, she called to control the birth rate among the poor, to refuse to subsidize vulnerable groups of the population.

Thatcher mercilessly closed all unprofitable enterprises and mines. In 1985, 25 mines were closed, by 1992 - 97. All the rest were privatized. This led to unemployment and protests. Margaret sent police against the protesters, so she lost the support of the working class.

In the early 80s, there appeared in the world serious problem- AIDS. Safety of blood transfusion was required. However, the Thatcher government ignored the problem and action was not taken until 1984-85. As a result, the number of people infected has increased significantly.

Due to her categorical nature, relations with Ireland also escalated. In Northern Ireland, members of the National Liberation and Republican Armies of Ireland were serving their sentences. They went on a hunger strike demanding to return them the status of political prisoners. 10 prisoners died during a hunger strike that lasted 73 days - however, they never received the desired status. As a result, an attempt was made on Margaret's life.

Irish politician Danny Morrison named her"The greatest bastard we've ever known."

After Thatcher's death, not everyone mourned her. Many were jubilant - and practically celebrated. People were having parties and walking the streets with posters. She was not forgiven for the milk scandal. After her death, some carried bouquets of flowers to her house, and some - packages and bottles of milk.

In those days, the hit song from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz - "Ding dong, the witch is dead." It peaked at number two on the UK charts in April.

The fruits of Thatcher policy

Margaret Thatcher was prime minister for the longest time in the 20th century - 11 years. Despite significant unpopularity with the population and political opponents, she was able to achieve a lot.

The country became richer, but the distribution of wealth is very uneven, and only certain groups of the population began to live much better.

It significantly weakened the influence of trade unions. She also closed unprofitable mines. This led to unemployment. But, at the same time, subsidies began to train people in new professions.

Thatcher undertook a state property reform and privatized many state-owned enterprises. Ordinary British could buy shares of any enterprise - Railway, coal, gas companies... Having passed into private ownership, enterprises began to develop and increase profits. One third of state property has been privatized.

Financing of unprofitable industries was stopped. All enterprises worked only under contracts - what they did, what they got. This encouraged them to improve product quality and fight for the customer.

Unprofitable enterprises were destroyed. They were replaced by a small and medium business... And along with this, many new jobs have appeared. Thanks to these new companies, the UK economy gradually emerged from the crisis.

During her reign, more than a million British families were able to purchase their own homes.

The personal wealth of ordinary citizens has increased by 80%.

Interesting facts from the life of the Iron Lady

• The nickname "Iron Lady" first appeared in the Soviet newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.
• When Margaret's husband Denis saw newborn babies for the first time, he said: “They look like rabbits! Maggie, bring them back. "

American diplomats spoke about Thatcher as follows:"A woman with a quick, albeit shallow mind."

• Winston Churchill inspired her to get involved in politics. He became her idol during the Second World War. She even borrowed a gesture that was his business card- the V mark formed by the index and middle fingers.
• Thatcher's school nickname is "toothpick."
• She was the first female party leader in Britain.
• One of the main sources of her views on economics is Friedrich von Hayek's The Road to Slavery. It expresses ideas about reducing the role of the state in the economy.
• As a child, Margaret played the piano, and during her university years she took part in student theater productions, took vocal lessons.
• As a child, Thatcher wanted to become an actress.
• Alma mater Margaret, Oxford, did not honor her. Therefore, she transferred her entire archive to Cambridge. She also cut funding for Oxford.
• One of Margaret's lovers left her, marrying her sister, as she could become a better wife and housewife.

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- the greatest statesman, public and political figure, Prime Minister of Great Britain. The period of her reign is characterized by adamant, rigid adherence to the chosen course, despite the disagreement, criticism and resistance of others, later called Thatcherism. Today, the postulates of Thatcherism are shared by all the main parties in the country, even its constant opponents and opponents - Labor. During her years as Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher gained a reputation as the Iron Lady and is still the only woman to hold this post in the UK. She was born in the small English town of Grantham on October 13, 1925. She was the second daughter of grocer Alfred Roberts and part-time seamstress Beatrice Stevenson. Despite his primary education, Margaret's father read a lot and constantly updated his knowledge.

Thirst for knowledge, hard work, thrift, interest in politics - character traits that passed to Margaret from her father. The father adored his daughter and tried to mold her into an ideal, he did not recognize the expressions "I can not" or "too difficult." Margaret will remember his admonitions not to follow the crowd for fear of being different for the rest of her life, her father, on the contrary, advised her to lead the crowd. When Margaret was in high school, her father became mayor of Grantham, she often went with him to council meetings, which helped her to understand the intricacies of political leadership from childhood. And while working in the warehouse of a store owned by her parents, she learned the basics of business and entrepreneurship in practice.

Thanks to dedication and perseverance, she entered the best college in Oxford - Somerville, which she successfully graduated in 1947, receiving higher education and the profession of a chemist. At university, she joined a conservative association, which she will soon lead. After graduating from university, she works as a chemist at a plastics manufacturing firm in Mannington, Essex and later in London. However, the career of a chemist does not appeal to her, since her heart is devoted to politics and the law.

She agrees to stand as a candidate in the 1950 parliamentary elections in one of the constituencies, but the first attempt to make a political career was unsuccessful. During the election campaign, Margaret meets businessman Denis Thatcher, whom she marries in December 1951. The marriage freed her from financial worries and in 1951, Margaret Thatcher entered law school. After graduating in 1953 with a law degree, she works as a specialist in tax law. In August 1953, twins were born into the Thatcher family - daughter Carol and son Mark. In 1959, she takes part in the election race for a seat in Parliament and gets into the House of Commons in Finchley County. In 1961, she was appointed to the post of junior minister for pensions and public insurance.

In 1964-1970, she entered the opposition "shadow cabinet" of the government of Edward Heath, who was forced to recognize her as a woman of great potential. When the Conservatives came to power in 1970-1974, and Heath was elected prime minister, Thatcher was the only woman in his government and headed the Department of Education. Here she was forced to resort to very unpopular measures and in order to save money, she canceled the free distribution of milk for students. primary grades... In 1975, the Liberal Party came to power, but Thatcher was able to retain her ministerial portfolio. In 1975, Thatcher replaced E. Heath and became the leader of the Conservative Party. By 1979, an economic crisis was brewing in the country; it was losing its spheres of influence in the world economy and politics.

In 1979, the Conservatives won a landslide victory in the elections to the House of Commons, and their leader, Margaret Thatcher, becomes the first female prime minister in the history of all of Europe. During her tenure in office, Thatcher acquired a reputation as the Iron Lady. All work in the government she headed was built on clear command, accountability and enormous personal responsibility. ti. During her 11 years as head of government, she carried out a number of tough economic reforms. The government adhered to a tight monetarist policy, the activities of trade unions were limited by the framework of the law, at the same time, the scale of its interference in the economy was reduced. Sectors of the economy, which were traditionally a monopoly of the state (aviation, telecommunications companies, gas giant British Gas), value added tax was raised. Argentina's occupation of the disputed Falkland Islands in 1982 forced Thatcher to send warships there, helping to regain British control of the area within weeks. This fact played a decisive role in the election victory of the Conservatives in 1983.

In the 1987 parliamentary elections, the Conservatives won again victory and formed the government by a majority of votes, the leader of their party, Margaret Thatcher, took the place of prime minister for the third term in a row. Her cabinet has carried out a series of reforms in education and health care and judicial system, not meeting the interests of people employed in these areas, a wave of indignation and protest was caused by the communal tax. She was highly criticized for her disagreement with European Union policy on many issues. In November 1990, Margaret Thatcher resigned for the sake of party unity and the prospect of winning the general election. In 1990, she was awarded the Order of Merit, and on June 26, 1992, Elizabeth II honored her with the title of Baroness. Margaret Thatcher died on April 8, 2013, a memorial service for the ex-Prime Minister of Great Britain was held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.