Falklands War

The Falklands War was a ten-week undeclared conflict in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands and the associated territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The war began on 2 April 1982, when Argentine forces launched an invasion of the Falkland Islands, followed the next day by the occupation of South Georgia. In response, the United Kingdom assembled and deployed a naval task force to regain control of the territories. The conflict ended on 14 June with the surrender of Argentine forces and the return of the islands to British administration. The fighting resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine personnel, 255 British personnel and three Falkland Islanders.
The conflict marked a crucial episode in the modern history of the islands. Argentina has long maintained that the territories form part of its national domain, framing its actions as the recovery of its own land. The British government, however, regarded the invasion as an unlawful attack on British Overseas Territories that had been under British administration since the mid-nineteenth century. The islanders, largely descendants of British settlers, strongly affirmed their preference to remain under British sovereignty.
Though neither state issued an official declaration of war, both designated the region a war zone. The war had lasting political and cultural consequences, particularly in Argentina, where public enthusiasm for the campaign gave way to dissatisfaction after defeat. The outcome accelerated the collapse of the ruling military junta and contributed to the return of democracy in the 1983 general election. In the United Kingdom, the successful recovery of the islands boosted political support for the government. Diplomatic relations between the two states were restored in 1989, without agreement on the sovereignty dispute. In 1994 Argentina formally incorporated the islands into its constitution, though the territories continue to operate as self-governing British Overseas Territories.

Prelude to Conflict

Efforts to resolve the sovereignty dispute persisted throughout the twentieth century. In 1965 the United Nations encouraged negotiations, and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office was willing to explore a transfer of sovereignty. However, the islanders opposed integration with Argentina, and lobbying in the British Parliament frustrated early attempts at compromise. A 1971 Communications Agreement improved transport links and economic collaboration, but did not alter political positions.
In 1977 the United Kingdom covertly deployed naval forces to the South Atlantic amid rising tensions. While talks continued, proposals such as a leaseback arrangement failed to satisfy either party. British officials warned that without progress Argentina might attempt to seize the islands, but domestic political opposition in the UK prevented meaningful concessions.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s military government faced economic decline and civil unrest. A change in leadership in December 1981 brought to power a new junta headed by General Leopoldo Galtieri. Within the regime, influential figures pressed for a military solution to the Falklands question, assuming that Britain would not respond militarily. The junta also hoped that a patriotic cause would divert attention from economic hardship and political repression.
Tensions escalated in March 1982 when a group connected to the Argentine military raised the national flag at a whaling station on South Georgia. In response, the British ice patrol vessel Endurance sailed to the area. Fearing that the UK might reinforce its presence, Argentina accelerated its invasion plans.

Argentine Invasion

On 2 April 1982 Argentine forces launched amphibious landings, known as Operation Rosario, on the Falkland Islands. A small British garrison of Royal Marines and Falkland Islands Defence Force volunteers mounted a brief resistance, but were outnumbered and outgunned. After fighting around Government House in Stanley, the Governor of the Falkland Islands, Sir Rex Hunt, ordered a ceasefire and surrendered. British personnel and civilians were evacuated to Montevideo and later returned to the UK.

British Response

The invasion prompted immediate mobilisation in the United Kingdom. On 5 April the government dispatched a large naval task force, with the objective of isolating Argentine forces, establishing maritime and air superiority and conducting amphibious operations to retake the islands. The campaign involved sustained clashes at sea and in the air, followed by land engagements after troops landed on East Falkland. Despite the challenging conditions and the distance from home bases, British forces advanced across the islands, culminating in the Argentine surrender in Port Stanley on 14 June.