The Iron Lady: The Leadership and Legacy of Margaret Thatcher
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  • Life
    • Early Life
    • Timeline
    • Political Career
  • Leadership & Legacy
    • Leadership >
      • Leadership Style
      • Key Events
      • Loyal Opposition
    • Legacy >
      • Thatcherism
      • Women's Activist
      • Divisive Figure
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  • Conclusion
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    • Bibliography >
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      • Secondary Sources
    • Photo Credits
    • Media Credits

1959 
Member of Parliament

Thatcher won the conservative seat of Finchley.  Her maiden speech got the attention of other MP’s, beginning her political rise.
Remarks Winning Finchley

1970 - 1974 
Secretary of State for Education

Thatcher reduced public spending for the state education system which eliminated free milk for school children. During this same time the incumbent Conservative Party leader, Edward Heath, faced strong public disapproval.
Interview For Finchley Press
Picture

1975 - 1979
Elected Conservative Leader (Leader of the Opposition)

Thatcher defeated Heath, becoming the first woman to lead a Western political party. During this time the Labour Party brought the country to near bankruptcy in 1976, which resulted in strikes during the winter of 1978. The General Elections of May 1979 showed the change in public opinion, with the conservative party regaining control, making Thatcher the new PM.
Interview For Finchley Times
Picture

1979 - 1983 
First Term as Prime Minister

During her first time Thatcher began working on economic recovery and regaining control of the Falkland Islands.
Remarks On Becoming Prime Minister

1983 - 1987
Second Term as Prime Minister

Thatcher’s term began with difficulties in trying to deal with striking miners and the Irish Republic Army. 
Speech On Being Re-Elected MP
Picture
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1987 - 1990
Third Term as Prime Minister

Thatcher’s third term as Prime Minister was difficult and unsuccessful. Disputes within the party, such as European integration and a new system of taxation (Poll Tax) hurt her support. The poll tax made it so everyone in a council area was taxed equally, citizens rioted due to this tax, which was overturned after Thatcher left. The worsening economic situation in Britain (1989) further hurt Thatcher’s support. Thatcher's colleagues then forced her to resign from prime  minister and the position was given to John Major. In 1992, she resigned from the House of Commons. 
Remarks Departing Downing Street

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Leadership and Legacy >>
PARTICIPANTS: Gareema Dhiman, Makenna Austin, and Ben Anderson
ENTRY TITLE:
The Iron Lady: The Leadership and Legacy of Margaret Thatcher
STUDENT COMPOSED WORDS: 1,197

WORDS IN PROCESS PAPER:
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