Margaret Thatcher, as an important politician in British history, had a profound impact on Britain. Her determination and leadership led to the British victory at the Battle of the Falklands, and the revitalization of the country in the eighties. However, Margaret Thatcher's image among the British public was controversial. Although her hard-line policies have inspired the national pride of the British people, they have also brought a lot of harm to the country, so much so that many people crave her**.
So, what caused Thatcher to have the same ending as Sadat?
First of all, we need to understand the political leanings of Margaret Thatcher, because this will determine the policy she adopts when she comes to power. Before Margaret Thatcher came to power, Britain's ** was dominated by the left-wing Labour Party for a long time. As one of the earliest left-wing parties in Britain, the Labour Party's position can be said to be Marxist. Although the concept of "social democracy" was gradually developed in a different way from communism, the Labour Party represented the interests of the working class, and this has not changed. However, at the end of the seventies, at the height of the Cold War, Britain, as the centre of European capitalist power, naturally expressed concern about "incorrect ideology".
The situation has made Labour's position increasingly awkward.
On the one hand, the Labour Party clearly belongs to the Western camp, and on the other hand, it is a clearly left-leaning party. In order to change this, the Labour Party began to change its left-wing political colours in the late seventies. However, this shift has not been embraced by everyone. Especially for those who aspire to defend capitalist values and traditions, they want a leader who can ensure the stability and prosperity of Britain.
And it was at this time that Margaret Thatcher's appearance became the hope of the British. She represents the political position of neoconservatism, advocating individual freedom, a market economy, and the strength of the state. Her ascension to power marked a new era, and many had high hopes for her.
However, over time, Margaret Thatcher's policies began to cause disagreement and discontent. Her market reforms and cuts to social welfare measures have left some people without jobs and security, leading to a further widening gap between the rich and the poor in society. In addition, Margaret Thatcher's dissolution of the Labour Party and restrictions on trade union rights have also sparked widespread discontent.
In short, Margaret Thatcher's political stance and the policies she implemented caused great controversy and discontent in British society. Although she has brought national self-confidence and economic prosperity to the British people, there is no denying the harm she has done to some groups.
This is one of the reasons why the British people craved her at some point. After all, in a pluralistic society, leaders' policy decisions often elicit different voices. However, Labour's approach actually gives the Conservatives an opportunity to a certain extent, and it is a "self-digging" act. Labour's political catastrophe provided a huge opportunity for the Conservatives, and it was at this time that Margaret Thatcher successfully stepped onto the stage of history. Margaret Thatcher was an important figure representing "neoconservatism", and she naturally possessed all the qualities of a right-wing leader.
Second, let's talk about Margaret Thatcher's reforms.
At the end of the 70s of the last century, the rise of Japan in the East was gaining momentum, South Korea was also developing steadily, and the East Asian countries posed a comprehensive challenge to the economic and industrial position of Europe. And after the Fourth Middle East War, Europe's economy was interrupted by the Gulf countries, and Britain fell into a full-blown economic recession and industrial decline.
In the 60s and early 70s, the Labour Party maintained a "welfare state", but this has become a burden for the state. In fact, in some basic industries, they are on the verge of collapse due to the industrialization shock of Thailand, Taiwan and even Malaysia. In such a situation, to continue to maintain high welfare for workers is tantamount to self-destruction.
The situation that Margaret Thatcher faced then was very similar to the situation that Macron is facing now. Now, France's pension insurance system has gradually become "the last straw that crushes France". And in Britain in the 80s, the straw was the British social welfare system.
If we look at this issue from the point of view of the country's development and economy, Margaret Thatcher's approach is not only correct, it can even be said to be completely correct. At that time, Britain urgently needed to achieve rapid economic growth and cut workers' welfare, because only in this way could the British economy promote a virtuous circle. If the high welfare system continues, the UK** will be in an embarrassing situation of constantly borrowing.
Countries like Portugal now have become an example. But objectively speaking, the British social welfare system is indeed a "work of art" shaped by the Labour Party. It was the British social welfare system that greatly reconciled the class contradictions in Britain, without which Britain would have fallen into the abyss of revolution.
However, after Margaret Thatcher came to power, Britain's social welfare system was gradually "privatized". Social welfare is no longer the responsibility of the state, but has become the responsibility of enterprises, and various social insurance companies are also responsible for it. Social welfare has gradually become a for-profit enterprise.
Margaret Thatcher's reign should have ended sooner when she left, not in '90 due to the failed tax reform**, and if you were a British citizen at the time, would you like to see your social welfare decline every day?Of course not, this was also the consensus of the British people at that time.
However, it was the interference of the Argentine ** Galtieri that allowed Thatcher to escape the fate of **. The outbreak of the Anglo-Argentine war provided her with the support of nationalist fanaticism that she needed in times of crisis.
War is often a breeding ground for right-wing populism, and this is especially evident for a former superpower.
While Britain has experienced a series of challenges over the past few decades, such as the conflict with Iceland, the nationalist movement in Kenya, the independence of India, and the defeat of wars in the Middle East, all seem to be a sign of the country's decline. However, the British are reluctant to accept this reality because they are proud and maintain a strong country mentality.
Margaret Thatcher accurately captured this mentality of the British, successfully leading them to victory in the Battle of the Falklands. In fact, did Margaret Thatcher really not know the difficulties and consequences of naval battles?Of course not, she knows everything.
However, she had to fight this war, and she had no choice.
It was the victory in the Falklands that strengthened Margaret Thatcher's political position and laid the foundation for the reform of the country's economic model promoted by the British neoconservative forces.
In a sense, Argentina saved Britain instead. Although they could only save Margaret Thatcher for a while, they could not save her life. The poor welfare system is still an inescapable fact, and Margaret Thatcher still can't escape this fate. Social security reform will continue to exacerbate the growing discontent of the British people against Margaret Thatcher.
It was this reason that eventually led to the end of Margaret Thatcher, whose death sparked a wave of celebrations with firecrackers.