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 Background... Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain when she was elevated to that office in 1979. Her Conservative Party defeated the Labour party thus allowing the daughter of a green grocer to further her conservative political philosophy. An ardent believer in lessening government control over Britain's economy, Thatcher began her tenure facing high inflation and unemployment. Until her resignation in 1990, "Maggie" was a well known world figure, whether adored or "disliked" and a personality of notice in her own country. It has been said of P.M. Thatcher that she does not have discussions, just states her opinions. She was the longest continually serving British Prime Minister of this century. Margaret Thatcher changed the landscape of politics in Great Britain by also re-inventing businesses and the economy. She was quite popular for winning the Falklands War by not compromising her position. Her micro-management tactics and her brusque argumentativeness won her much criticism, though. Margaret Thatcher herself said she identified more with being a Prime Minister than a woman. This statement coming from a female who was a mother of twins, Mark and Carol, and a wife to a successful businessman, plus being always impeccably attired and coiffured, appears to sum up this enigmatic personality. Quite a lady, this Maggie, and one full of contradictions! Thumbnail History... Margaret Hilda Thatcher (nee Roberts) was born in 1925 to the family of a green grocer in England. Her schooling was impressive culminating in a degree from Oxford in chemistry (BSc in Natural Science) and a law degree. As a professional, Margaret worked as a research chemist and an attorney specializing in tax law. After her marriage in 1951 to Denis Thatcher, a business executive, her interests turned towards the political arena. In 1959, she was elected to the House of Commons. Other posts to follow were Secretary of State for Education and Science in the early 70's. In 1975, she was elected leader of the conservative Party by the members of Parliament. Margaret Thatcher won three general elections in a row. The 1983 election was by a big majority despite the worst unemployment figures in Britain for 50 years and Margaret's pro-privatisation policies. Her retirement in 1990 has not kept her from being a "voice" in Great Britain and the world, but, did allow her time to write two memoirs and to become a Baroness. Books & Honours...
The preceeding information was researched by Carol Kizorek-Eastwick MGA
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