Why Did Britain Go to War over the Falkland Islands in 1982 - Essay Example

Why did Britain go to war over the Falkland Islands in 1982? Introduction British colonization of various countries in the world allowed it to retain several islands in the southern parts of the Atlantic Ocean including the Falkland Island. Though other South American colonies were granted independence, Britain retained Falkland Island and considered it part of the country’s territory (Anderson 190). In 1982, Argentina made a decision to invade the island and bring it back to the country’s leadership, a decision that did not please the British. Britain sent a special force of the royal navy to recover the island from the Argentinean forces and ensure that it is safe for the people who lived within it under the leadership of the United Kingdom. This was known as the Falkland island conflict or war that was fought between the United Kingdom and Argentina but also involved other countries such as the United States (Christie 302). Falkland war offered significant opportunities for the conservative party under Margaret thatcher to redeem it and make significant progress which would enable it to implement its manifesto. Thatcher acquired the leadership of the government when the country was facing significant financial crisis and this affected the attitude and level of patriotism among the members of the public. Austerity measures adopted by the conservative government were unpopular yet necessary to enable the government reduce the level of recurrent expenditure. Focus on the domestic issues in Britain presented Argentina with an opportunity to advance its political and social plans in the Atlantic Ocean. South Georgia and Falkland islands were under significant contention, with Argentina arguing that it should be allowed to rule over the region as opposed to British authority (Anderson,189). To demonstrate their commitment to acquiring the island from the British, the Argentinian junta government launched charm offensive missions into the two islands. Britain adopted a diplomatic attitude towards resolving this issue and this gave Argentina time to improve its presence in the islands. The United Kingdom used the United Nations resolution 505 to mitigate the tension that was emerging in the southern Atlantic region, a strategy that failed miserably (Christie 302). Prelude to the Falkland island conflict By the beginning of 1982, Argentinean president Leopold Galtieri began showing indication that the country’s leadership was interested in taking control of the Falkland island. With the help of the ruling junta, he made the decision to invade the British ruled island without warning the united kingdom of its intention despite knowing that the island was under the leadership of British government. Entering into the Falkland island to proclaim it and make it part of the Argentinean territory was used for several purposes by the Argentinean government (Desch 35). The junta was facing accusation of human rights abuses and economic mismanagement by local and international organizations. To restore national pride and increase its popularity in the country, the junta under the leadership of the president made a decision to attack the island (Winegard 170). The junta believed that this way would led to the emergence of a strong patriotic feeling among the people and water down the strong emotions created by economic challenges and human rights abuses (Lehman 80). In March of the same year, a contingent of scrap metal dealers had landed into the British owned island of South Georgia and hoisted the Argentinean flag. This move was against international laws and abuse of territorial integrity, a situation that forced the United Kingdom to send royal marine commandos to follow suit and remove the invaders. Though the island had little strategic and economic important to the Britain, invasion by the Argentineans had showed a level of disrespect and disregard for international treaties and laws (Winegard 173). After civilian occupation of South Georgia Island, the military junta sent an amphibious force to the island and this led to the beginning of the Falkland island war. Before Britain sent reinforcement, the governor of the island organized resistance under the command of Mike Norman from the United Kingdom royal marines. However, lack of proper personnel affected their effective response and the Argentinean forces took control of the island, forcing Britain to act promptly. Before the invasion of the Falkland Island, Argentina had sent several petitions to the United Nations, arguing that the island was within its territorial waters (Desch 35). Lack of an action from the united nation to mitigate the issue would lead to an invasion by Argentinean forces, threats that the United Kingdom either missed or ignored altogether. This led to a believe within the Argentinean leadership that the united kingdom was losing interest in the island would therefore not use any form of military force to resist Argentinean invasion. Failure to act on the threats and invasion of other islands such as south George was interpreted by the argentine forces as loss of interest in the island. As a result, Argentina sent a force of over 50 men from the military to secretly set camp in other islands in the previous years including the less occupied southern Thule Island, which had been considered part of the British Atlantic Empire (Kennedy 4). Though the United Kingdom protested the move, they were less interested in engaging in military confrontation to address the issues, instead calling for diplomatic ways of resolving the conflict. A response by the United Kingdom government or indication of willingness to resolve the conflict through diplomatic route would have eliminated the tension between the two countries. While the United Kingdom was pursuing diplomatic solution to the southern Atlantic island, the junta was repositioning its navy and preparing for a possible takeover (Winegard 170). While Argentina was suffering from recession and high inflation, the United Kingdom was also witnessing a fair share of its own economic challenges. To salvage the situation, the leadership of thatcher adopted a number of austerity plans, which led to significant cuts on the country’s expenditure. This created social unrest and decline in government support in the United Kingdom as the country was finding it difficult to survive the economic stress facing the country. This development, together with lack of interest that Britain had shown sent mixed signals to the Argentinian government. The challenges facing Britain were interpreted as an inability to effectively defend the British owned islands in the south Atlantic regions such as the Falkland Island. Lack of enough financial strength was a strong indicator that the country lacked the capacity to continue supporting Falkland Island, instead focusing its resources in restoring the country’s economic status (Kennedy 4). Causes of the Falkland island crisis With similar economic challenges, Argentina and Britain had different objectives aimed at restoring the confidence of the people and improving economic recovery. While Britain was concerned with improving the performance of its economy and reducing the level of discontent among the members of the public, the Argentinian government hoped to gain the support of the masses through recapturing the Falkland Island. The tragicomic affair involving South Georgia Island is attributed to directly causing the Falkland crisis between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Davidoff, a scrap metal dealer in Argentina directly contributed to the 1982 conflict when he led his merchants into the South Georgia Island. While at the island, the traders hoisted an Argentinian flag in total disregard of international laws on territorial boundaries and integrity (Kennedy 4). Though Britain initially supported the actions of Davidoff within the isolated island of South Georgia, suspicion grew when it became evident that their activities were not limited to clearing the old whaling station. For example, the British scientist who was in charge of the island noted significant Argentinian writings on walls, which indicated that the island belonged to the country. Though the United Kingdom protested, it was optimistic of resolving the conflict at a diplomatic level without the need for military intervention. In March 1982, Britain was treated to sound of gunshots, which seemed as illegal poaching of reindeer in the island, an act that was prohibited. However, the officials discovered a party of over 50 civilians and members of the public holding a public barbecue of reindeer while hoisting an Argentinean flag without the knowledge of British officials in the island. All signs that had been put in place by the United Kingdom warning illegal entry into the island was removed and defaced completely by the civilian and military party. The group also broke into different stores owned by British military and took food, medicine and clothing stored within the houses (Fehrs 240). The telltale signs were all out and the United Kingdom became aware of Argentina’s intention to reclaim the islands in the south of Atlantic Ocean. Though Argentina’s initial response saw a removal of the flag and the party from the island, the continued with underground plans aimed at repositioning itself to reclaim the islands such as the Falkland (Kennedy and Andrew 69). A number of Argentinian military officials were retained in the island to continue with leadership’s plan despite the diplomatic agreement that they had reached. With Britain showing a lukewarm interest in the island, Argentina repositioned its major naval ships clearly demonstrated their intention to take over the Falkland Island from the United Kingdom. Their initial positive response and cooperation with the United Kingdom was aimed at forestalling any plans of British to bring military arsenal to South Georgia which would affect their plans to recapture the Falkland Island (Fehrs 240). Despite the evidence intentions of the Argentinian leadership, thatcher and her government believed that South Georgia was the island of contention and not the Falkland. However, intelligence information indicating that Argentinian naval ships were departed towards the island jolted British into action. The royal navy was placed at a standby in readiness for an imminent attack from the Argentinian military. However, a breakdown in the diplomatic resolution to crisis between the two countries also escalated the situation to a point where armed conflict was inevitable (Riesman and Kristen 56). Though the United Kingdom attempted in several occasions to engage Argentina and forestall the possibility of an armed conflict, the latter was engaged in underground activities. Cooperation by Argentina was not sincere and was mainly aimed at hoodwinking the United Kingdom as opposed to finding a long lasting solution to the crisis. The economic crisis facing Argentina and the United Kingdom also played a part in shaping of the war as both countries had individual and country interests (Weisiger 231). Argentina was facing increasing opposition from the locals and hoped to redeem itself by reclaiming the two islands and erecting its flags within them. Stirring patriotic feelings among the Argentinians was viewed as a way of granting the junta government more time to lead the country. In Britain, the economic crisis affected the stability of the government and this led to a number austerity cuts, which affected the country’s willingness to engage directly in military conflict with Argentina (Kennedy and Andrew 69). Though the Falkland crisis between the United Kingdom and Argentina was a surprise to a number of countries such as the United States, the superpowers played a role in shaping its course. The United States has recognized the United Kingdom ownership of the island and their reaction was relatively predictable (Fehrs 240). However, Argentina failed to solicit for support from other countries that would have used their veto powers to prevent the United Kingdom from repossessing the Falkland and the South Georgia islands. For example, the United Kingdom introduced a resolution before the United Nations on the same issue in order to facilitate the withdrawal of Argentina from the islands. Apart from panama, no other country voted against the United Kingdom, with others choosing to take a neutral position. Russia was well placed to help Argentina in this war but opted out, instead using the instability in the region to collect intelligence for its own use (Weisiger 231). Reagan and thatcher had a cordial relationship as has been witnessed in the past though the Falkland conflict led to ethnic division between the Latinos and the Europeanists in the united states. For example, Jeanne Kirkpatrick who was serving as the United States delegate to the United Nations was a Latino with a soft spot for the Argentinian leadership. She led a faction that argued that if Argentina wins this war, the interests of the United States will be advanced in Central America as opposed to those of the United Kingdom. However, the historical ties between the two countries made it difficult for the United States to side with Argentina as the country has had long-standing traditional ties with the United Kingdom (Riesman and Kristen 56). The government gave no room for public opinion, opting to side with its traditional ally by sending adequate troops to the Falkland Island to help the United Kingdom army. The American forces teamed up with the taskforce and this enabled the United Kingdom to maintain its leadership in the island. At the end of this war, the implication on the participants was massive as it affected the economies, the armies and led to the reorganization of political and economic blocs. Though Britain lost over 250 men and 6 combat ships, this war offered significant sigh of relief to the conservative government under the leadership of thatcher (Oakes 43). The United Kingdom spent over £2.8 billion to finance the war and mitigate the results, which affected the members of the disciplined forces and their family members. However, several ministers were forced out of office for failing to anticipate the war and work on mitigation measures before the devastating implications were experienced. Britain also increased its presence in Falkland and this contributed to the economic development of the region at a time when the island was significantly isolated and vulnerable to attack. Prior to the war, the role of Britain in international conflicts and issue was questioned due to the lackluster approach of the previous regimes (Bittner 23). However, victory in the Falkland conflict empowered the United Kingdom and increased its international respect, recognition and influence. Thatcher, whose influence and authority in the country had declined, was reelected with a parliamentary majority and strong influence as compared to the previous term. Falkland conflict also reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States due to the relationship that existed between thatcher and Reagan (Ehrmantraut 95). Reagan and his defense secretary were honored as the knight’s commander of the order of the British Empire due to their contribution during the conflict, which enabled the United Kingdom to pacify the influence of Argentina. Though the country regretted the impacts of the war, both sides agree that it influenced and shaped international policies between Argentina and the United Kingdom (Bittner 23). Apart from the United Kingdom, Britain and Argentina, this war had significant image implications on Margaret thatcher, the then prime minister of Britain. Invasion into British territory during her watch was indicative of his leadership and his actions would influence the popularity of his party in the United Kingdom. Thatcher had little public or international image prior to the war due to the challenges that his administration was facing, coupled by the economic crisis at home. However, this war showed the dominance presence of thatcher based on her language, decisiveness and ability to rally the support of Britain to recover the island from Argentina (Oakes 43). The war turned thatcher into an international celebrity who was recognized from different parts of the globe by foes and allies alike. Domestic critics to his cabinet were silenced and this gave her the power to push forward the Thatcherism ideology. With constant citation of the Falkland crisis, thatcher addressed other issues that affected his regime such as the miner and industrial relations. Though the island had little strategic and economic important to the Britain, invasion by the Argentineans had showed a level of disrespect and disregard for international treaties and laws (Oakes 43). After civilian occupation of south Georges Island, the military junta sent an amphibious force to the island and this led to the beginning of the Falkland island war. Before Britain sent reinforcement, the governor of the island organized resistance under the command of Mike Norman from the United Kingdom royal marines. However, lack of proper personnel affected their effective response and the Argentinean forces took control of the island, forcing Britain to act promptly. Before the invasion of the Falkland Island, Argentina had sent several petitions to the United Nations, arguing that the island was within its territorial waters (Ehrmantraut 95). Lack of an action from the united nation to mitigate the issue would lead to an invasion by Argentinean forces, threats that the United Kingdom either missed or ignored altogether. This led to a believe within the Argentinean leadership that the united kingdom was losing interest in the island would therefore not use any form of military force to resist Argentinean invasion. Failure to act on the threats and invasion of other islands such as south George was interpreted by the argentine forces as loss of interest in the island. As a result, Argentina sent a force of over 50 men from the military to secretly set camp in other islands in the previous years including the less occupied southern Thule Island that had been considered part of the British Atlantic Empire. Conclusion The Falkland crisis that pitied the United Kingdom against Argentina in 1982 was occasioned by the latter’s decision to invade Britain’s territorial islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Margaret thatcher, the then prime minister organized retaliatory commission, which delivered the island from the Argentinians. This war significantly shaped the future image of Margaret thatcher and influenced his policies and approach to various domestic and international issues (Freedman 196). Though Britain was castigated for failure to respond in time and prevent the escalation of the conflict, the response and cooperation with the United States and other countries enabled them to emerge victor. In this paper, the causes of the Falkland crisis has been discussed, putting emphasis on the implications it had on Britain and its allies like the United States. Works Cited Anderson, Zoe. 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