Margaret Thatcher(nee Roberts) was born on 13 October 1925 in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Her father Alfred Roberts owned groceries and took an active part in local politics and the life of the religious community - he was a member of the municipal council and a Methodist pastor, for some time he was even the mayor of Grantham. Margaret and her sister Muriel were brought up in strict traditions. Margaret Roberts studied diligently at school and attended many extracurricular activities.
Chemistry and life
Margaret Thatcher was originally trained as a chemist. She studied chemistry for four years at Oxford University and received a Bachelor of Science degree. Then she worked briefly as a research chemist and was involved in the development of emulsifiers for the production of ice cream.
Political career
While still a student, Margaret Roberts became chair of the Oxford University Conservative Party Association. From the early 1950s, she began to fight for a seat in parliament and in 1959 finally achieved her goal, becoming a member of the House of Commons.
She was nominated for the post of Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Pensions and State social insurance, then worked on issues of construction and land ownership, in the House of Commons she supported the preservation death penalty and at the same time voted for exemption from criminal liability for homosexuals.
In the late 1960s, she participated in the International Visits Program, through which she was able to meet with US politicians, and subsequently became a member of the Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet. In 1970, after the Conservatives came to power, Margaret Thatcher was appointed Secretary of State for Education and Science, a post she held until 1974. After the defeat of the Conservatives, Thatcher was the leader of the opposition.
First woman as prime minister
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first and so far only woman to serve as Prime Minister of Great Britain. She served three terms in this post - the longest of any prime minister since 1827. She was also the first female prime minister of a European state.
In fact, it was Margaret Thatcher who was entrusted with the decision from 1979 to 1990 critical issues, concerning the political course of Great Britain, since the head of government in Britain, although appointed by the monarch, performs many functions that nominally belong to the monarch.
"The Iron Lady"
Margaret Thatcher received this nickname for her conservative policies and tough, unbending character. A Soviet military journalist called her the first “iron lady” in response to harsh criticism of the USSR. Yuri Gavrilov in his article in the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper dated January 24, 1979. At the same time, she had not yet assumed the post of prime minister.
As translated by British journalists, the “iron lady” became “the iron lady,” and this nickname was subsequently firmly attached to Thatcher.
Politics Margaret Thatcher
As Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher introduced many major reforms in a variety of areas. She sought to change what she saw as the cause of Britain's decline.
Margaret Thatcher advocated reducing government intervention in the economy (deregulation), reducing the influence of trade unions, and reducing spending on the social sector. She also carried out privatization - the sale of many state enterprises, raised taxes. This caused the decline of the mining and manufacturing industries, but marked a stage in the transition to the production of services rather than goods.
At the same time, Thatcher's economic policies were responsible for rising unemployment, although the short and victorious Falklands War contributed to her popularity. After her resignation due to a split in the Conservative Party, Margaret Thatcher remained a member of the House of Commons for two more years.
Margaret Thatcher always sharply criticized the Soviet Union; communism was unacceptable to her. However, she believed that communist and capitalist countries could coexist through mutual compromise. In foreign policy she was oriented toward the United States and always spoke harshly of Soviet political leaders. Only Mikhail Gorbachev she called "a person with whom she could deal."
Thatcherism
The economic and social policies pursued by Margaret Thatcher came to be called Thatcherism. Many cannot be indifferent to this policy, as well as to the figure of Thatcher herself. Thatcher's opponents believe that through her policies she did everything to weaken Great Britain. For supporters of the “Iron Lady,” on the contrary, she is an iconic figure.
Assassination
In 1984, the Irish Republican Army attempted to assassinate Margaret Thatcher. Separatists planted a bomb in a Brighton hotel during the Conservative Party conference. Five people were killed, but Thatcher herself was not injured.
Personal life
Your husband, businessman Denis Thatcher, Margaret Roberts met back in 1949. They met at a dinner to celebrate Margaret's official confirmation as the Conservative Party candidate in Dartford. In 1951 they got married, and in 1953 twins Carol and Mark were born to this marriage.
Denis Thatcher was 10 years older than Margaret, and this was his second marriage. By coincidence, Denis Thatcher's first wife was also named Margaret.
Margaret and Denis Thatcher were married for many years. In her autobiography, Margaret wrote that without the support of her husband, she would never have become prime minister. After her resignation, Denis Thatcher received the title of baronet, and Margaret Thatcher, accordingly, became a baroness.
Denis Thatcher died in 2003; his famous wife survived him by 10 years.
Disease
In recent years, Margaret Thatcher rarely appeared in public due to health problems. She suffered several heart attacks and suffered from dementia (senile dementia). In 2012, she underwent surgery to remove a bladder tumor.
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In response to criticism of Margaret Thatcher Soviet Union the newspaper "Red Star" called her the "iron lady". The translation of this expression into English sounded like “iron lady.” Since then, this nickname has firmly stuck to the Prime Minister.
The Grocer's Daughter
Margaret Hilda Roberts was indeed born into the family of a small merchant on October 13, 1925. Surprisingly hardworking, already at school Margaret received scholarships for her diligence. It is not surprising that she studied at Oxford for free and graduated from this prestigious institution with honors, immediately receiving a degree in chemistry. At the same time, Thatcher became interested in politics, getting involved in the affairs of the then unfashionable Conservative Party.
Subsequently, Margaret will say that she owes her professional and personal qualities to her family, especially her father. He not only worked in the store, but was also an assistant to the mayor and a member of the city council. “From childhood, we were instilled with a sense of duty towards our family, towards the church, towards our neighbors. It gave me a basis in life,” said Margaret.
Wife of a businessman, mother of twins and... politician
At the age of 26 (in 1951), Margaret married wealthy businessman Denis Thatcher and quickly gave birth to twins: Mark and Carol. However, his academic career was replaced by a passion for politics. Later, Margaret Thatcher would emphasize that it was just a hobby, and not a desire to get ahead, at any cost.
Although, perhaps, it was precisely the fact that politics was initially a hobby for her, to which she devoted herself with all passion, and became the basis for her fantastic success.
While taking care of her family and children, Margaret simultaneously received another education - a law degree. She liked to emphasize that what helped her in this was that her husband Denis was a wealthy man, thanks to which she could calmly study to become a lawyer without thinking about earning money.
The only woman prime minister
In 1959, 34-year-old Thatcher became a Conservative member of the House of Commons in London and spent the next twenty years moving up the party ladder, holding a number of senior positions. In 1979, she decided to challenge fellow Conservative Edward Heath, who led the party. And takes his place. And when the Conservatives win the general parliamentary elections, Thatcher almost automatically becomes prime minister. The first and so far only woman in British history to hold this post. And her premiership was truly a record-breaking one: for almost 12 years, Margaret Thatcher, the “elected dictator,” as she was once called, remained in this post, entering the political history of not only Great Britain, but the whole world.
Frankly speaking, Mrs. Thatcher inherited a troublesome, by European standards, collapsed economy. Inflation was over 20%, which was simply indecent for a respectable country.
By the way, at one time (in the early 90s) Russia found itself in the same situation. At the same time, there were proposals, although not entirely serious, to invite Lady Thatcher to run our government. It's a pity that they are not serious.
Iron hand in a lace glove
Thatcher, as we would say, is a “convinced marketer.” She carried out the denationalization of several large industries, reduced social spending, which, in her opinion, simply produced idlers, curtailed the rights of trade unions - in a word, she implemented everything that in the USSR was called “Thatcherism” and the “anti-people policy of the Tories.” After this, inflation fell to an acceptable 4-5% per year (what we can now dream of), unemployment ceased to be a national problem, and the economy was firmly on the track of, if not rapid, then sustainable growth.
England began to be taken into account again. M. Thatcher's diplomatic gift was fully manifested when, in 1986-87, she, implementing the “shuttle” policy between the USA and the USSR, or better said, between Reagan and Gorbachev, made the reconciliation of the irreconcilable real.
Reasons for Thatcher's success
It is difficult to say what success of a woman in politics is. Perhaps it is the ability to play men's games. But who will say after this that politics is not a woman’s business?! Among the secrets of Margaret Thatcher's success are probably the following:
She had extraordinary political instincts and enormous will - she clearly knew what she wanted, saw the prospect and walked towards the desired goal without turning back.
Margaret was capable of making frankly unpopular decisions and calmly listening to reproaches.
She was unfailingly firm in fulfilling decisions taken, in times of crisis she knew how to rally like-minded people around her.
She deftly answered tricky questions the way she needed, conveying to the listener only what she wanted to say, and not what they wanted to hear from her.
In her own family, where, in addition to Margaret, her sister Muriel grew up, there were strict rules - the girls were instilled with clear concepts of honesty, decency and other positive qualities. Thatcher brought them into her policies.
Margaret has a wonderful rear behind her - good family, a caring husband, well-mannered children who did not cause her trouble with any inappropriate antics.
Well, undoubtedly one of the important factors of success is that Margaret Thatcher is simply a beautiful woman.
Professional workaholic
Margaret often repeated: “I was born to work.” Among the reasons for her success, Thatcher herself cites good natural health, belief in human rights and the belief that management must be skillful. Without being particularly shy, she says that she is good at understanding people - as soon as she sees a person, she already knows who is in front of her, and is never mistaken. She was uncompromising towards corruption. Margaret Thatcher is practically the only major political leader who has never been addressed not a single accusation of dishonesty was heard.
Now the 86-year-old lady rarely appears in public (age and illness make themselves felt), but her every appearance is an event. Margaret's favorite recreational activities include walking and attending concerts and classical music festivals.
Movie " The Iron Lady"Margaret Thatcher didn't like it, but she appreciated Meryl Streep's performance (pictured)
...By the way, Thatcher herself did not like the film “The Iron Lady” that was released in principle - “an unnecessary undertaking.” But she praised the brilliant performance of Meryl Streep (the Hollywood star played the role of the Prime Minister). As always, balanced, polite, but frank.
The mechanism for taking office as a prime minister in England is very unique. By the morning, when the election results become known, the sleep-deprived, exhausted winner comes to the monarch’s residence and, bending his knee, informs Her Majesty about the accomplished fact. And the reigning lady has no choice but to offer the winner to accept the post of prime minister and form a government. As a rule, this offer is not refused.
For all her firmness, in relation to unprincipled details, Margaret Thatcher is capable of an active compromise. Although, as she says, this is her least favorite word. Listening to the advice of image makers, Margaret somewhat softened the intonation of her statements, changed her hairstyle, began to wear more feminine suits (she rarely wears dresses at all), more short skirts and wear jewelry more often. And with this change of image she achieved incredible success! She turned from a tough parliamentary fighter into a kind of “mother of the nation,” a second queen.
Thatcher has few jewels and most of them are gifts from her husband to family holidays. Margaret's favorite jewelry is natural pearls. “Pearl earrings highlight the face in a special way,” she says. Her favorite color is turquoise, but she rarely wears it, preferring dark blue and gray, and prefers natural wool and silk.
Margaret is the second wife of Denis Thatcher. His first wife was also named Margaret. The fact that she is the second Margaret Thatcher never seemed to bother the head of the British government, but she did not like to talk about it.
With their retirement, the “grocer’s daughters” planned to bestow the title of nobility and title. At first they thought that she would be made Countess of Grantham - after the name of the place where she was born. However, Margaret Thatcher was given the title of Baroness Kestwin. By the way, her pension is 17.5 thousand pounds a year.
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When she was gone, opponents celebrated wildly, singing the once popular song that “the witch is dead.” But there were still more of those who sincerely mourned Margaret Thatcher. “The Iron Lady” - that’s what both admirers and detractors called her, because she became the first female prime minister on the planet.
Biography of Margaret Thatcher
Budding Chemist
She was the daughter of a shopkeeper from the wealthy, but not at all wealthy, family of Alfred and Beatrice Roberts. Margaret Hilda was born in 1925, October 13, in Lincolnshire ( Small town Grantham). The family had two grocery stores, and the Roberts' apartment was located directly above the retail space. Both Margaret and her sister Muriel had a strict upbringing. Alfred was a Methodist pastor and a member of the municipal council and for some time even served as mayor of the city.
Margaret was versatile: she studied very well at school, was fond of sports (swimming, field hockey), wrote poetry, and played the piano. She went to Oxford and studied chemistry. In 1947, Roberts became a bachelor.
The biography of Margaret Thatcher became the biography of a political figure in 1950, when she first stood as a candidate for parliamentary elections (from the Dartford constituency). As a student, she researched the latest antibiotics, including the now very well-known gramicidin. And having moved to Dartford to participate in the elections, Margaret got a job at a local chemical company and worked on creating emulsifiers for ice cream. Both in 1950 and 1951, the girl candidate lost to a man, but they started talking about her, the press wrote enthusiastically about Margaret.
Member of the British Parliament
Her mother and father provided tangible support to her daughter, and then Margaret found herself with another loyal ally - her husband Denis Thatcher. The wedding took place at the end of 1951. A year and a half later, the ex-chemist took the post of barrister; in the same year, 1953, Margaret Thatcher’s children, twins Mark and Carol, were born.
She nevertheless became a member of the British Parliament in 1959. Best qualities Margaret Thatcher - her tenacity, the art of persuasion (as well as the ability to listen to her interlocutor), oratory- helped her become a skilled politician. In 1970, she received a very high post - Secretary of State for Education and Science. At the Institute of Economics, Thatcher became imbued with the ideas of Seldon and Harris, who rejected the concept of a welfare state.
Margaret Thatcher received the nickname “Iron Lady” after the sensational anti-Soviet speech she made in January 1976. She emphasized that the USSR wants world domination and is escalating aggression. For the first time, the journalists of “Red Star” called her the “Iron Lady”; when she heard about it, the lady did not mind - she liked it!
The Iron Lady became Prime Minister
Three years later, Margaret Thatcher won the election as leader of the Conservative Party. She became the first representative of the fair sex to lead such a large party in Great Britain. Also in 1979, the leader of the opposition took the responsible post of prime minister. The country was then swept by a wave of unemployment. And the first measures taken by the new resident of the Downey Street residence were aimed precisely at rectifying the situation. Privatization state corporations, the opening of “flexible” labor markets, reducing the role of trade unions, the abolition of state control in financial spheres - all this was done by the newly minted prime minister.
At first, Thatcher's radical measures were received with great enthusiasm. But unemployment did not decrease, and neither did instability in the stock market. Unrest in Ireland reached a “boiling point” when hunger strikes began there. IRA leaders organized an assassination attempt on the Iron Lady. Margaret Thatcher, however, was unshakable. And the ensuing Falkland Islands War strengthened her shaky reputation. And she again led in the 1983 elections.
End of the Cold War and resignation
It was the British Prime Minister who extended a friendly helping hand to Mikhail Gorbachev, supporting his reforms. She met with Soviet leader in 1984, and a few years later declared the end of the Cold War. There was a year left before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In 1987, Margaret Thatcher's third term began. Her biography as a politician began to decline at this time. Disagreements in the Cabinet of Ministers, a new tax system - all this shook the “throne” of the leader. Margaret Thatcher was forced to resign in the autumn of 1990 after her open confrontation with Michael Heseltine.
Heavy losses
Baroness Thatcher left the House of Commons in 1992, but acted as a geopolitical consultant, wrote memoirs, criticized the situation in Yugoslavia and even tried to influence the government of Chile (she wanted freedom for the dictator Pinochet).
In 2003, the husband and constant ally of the ex-Prime Minister, husband Denis, died. It was a difficult loss. Thatcher's health began to fail, although she attended the funeral former president States, one of its allies, Reagan in 2004, but did not feel very good.
The 80th anniversary of the “Iron Lady” was magnificent. Next to their mother were the children of Margaret Thatcher, the most dear guests (along with Queen Elizabeth II and the new Prime Minister Tony Blair). They paid tribute to the hero of the day, recalled all her achievements and listed the qualities of Margaret Thatcher that allowed her to “stand at the helm” for so many years.
The years have taken their toll
But old age took its toll: several micro-strokes, subsequent dementia (all this was truthfully shown in the film “The Iron Lady”; Margaret Thatcher was played by the magnificent Meryl Streep in the film, for which she deserved an Oscar). The weakened woman could not appear in public, and on April 8, 2013, she died from another stroke.
The Baroness was buried in the capital's Cathedral of St. Paul and was buried with all honors. She planned out all the funeral ceremonies in advance, “like clockwork.” The Iron Lady, even after death, tried to remain herself.
Childhood and youth of Margaret Thatcher
Margaret was born on October 13, 1925 to Alfred and Beatrice Roberts. My father owned two grocery stores and led an active social life. And in 1945 he became mayor of Grantham. In addition to Margaret, the Roberts family had another daughter, Muriel.At school, Margaret was known as a very gifted, and at the same time, sarcastic girl. These qualities earned her the nickname "Maggie Toothpick" from her classmates. In addition to her main classes, Margaret attended piano lessons, field hockey lessons, poetry courses and others. In 1943, Roberts entered Sommerville College, Oxford University, where he studied chemistry. During her studies, she worked on X-ray diffraction analysis of the antibiotic gramicidin S.
The beginning of Margaret Thatcher's political career
Margaret did not study chemistry for long. Soon after receiving her diploma, she plunged headlong into political and legal activities. Margaret stood in parliamentary elections for Dartford in 1950 and 1951. In both cases, the young politician lost, however, she was able to attract the attention of the press. All this time she was supported by her husband and parents. By the way, the latter helped her become a member of the Bar Association. The first specialization was taxation issues. 
Margaret Thatcher continued to fight for a seat in Parliament and in 1959 she managed to win and become a member of the House of Commons from the Conservative Party.
Political views of Margaret Thatcher
Thatcher often took a stand in opposition to the official party position. Thus, she proposed keeping taxes low in order to encourage more diligent work. In addition, she voted for the legalization of abortion and liberation from persecution of sexual minorities. 
In addition, Margaret advocated maintaining the death penalty and against relaxations in the legislation on the procedure for dissolution of marriages.
Political activity of Margaret Thatcher in adulthood
In 1970, Margaret Thatcher became Minister of Education and Science. Her very first steps in office caused a storm of criticism and indignation from representatives of the Labor Party. Because of her unpopular measures, Margaret became known as the Milk Thief.Margaret Thatcher on Russia
In 1975, Miss Thatcher led the Conservative Party. At the next election in 1979, the Conservatives won a landslide victory and Margaret became Prime Minister, the first woman to hold this post in Great Britain.
Premiership of Margaret Thatcher
The main goals of the new Prime Minister in office were the elimination of unemployment and privatization state companies, reducing the influence of trade unions. Initially, Margaret enjoyed enormous popularity among the population. However, financial instability and growing unemployment had a negative impact on Margaret Thatcher's image. 
However, this did not prevent her from winning the 1983 elections and entering a second term. During this period, Margaret Thatcher managed to stabilize the economy, and in 1987 she was re-elected for a third term.
At this time, her popularity was rapidly declining, in particular due to disagreements within the party. All this led to Margaret leaving her post in 1990. And in 1992 she left the House of Commons.
Margaret Thatcher and the USSR: biography and political views
Margaret Thatcher received the title of Baroness and a seat in the House of Lords.
Life of Margaret Thatcher after politics
After her “retirement”, Thatcher sat down to write her memoirs. She published two books, however, she did not turn out to be an “exemplary” pensioner. She regularly criticized certain political leaders, as well as NATO, and supported the ideas of independence of Croatia and Slovenia. 
In 1998, Thatcher came out in support of Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and personally visited him during his arrest. Margaret was honorary rector of several higher education institutions.
IN last years During her life, Thatcher expressed her doubts about the necessity of the existence of the European Union and even called on Great Britain to leave the community.
Death of Margaret Thatcher
In 2012, Margaret underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Her health deteriorated and her last stroke was fatal. Margaret Thatcher passed away on April 8, 2013.Her work as Prime Minister of Great Britain lasted 3 terms, for a total of 11 years. It was a difficult time - then the country was in a deep socio-economic crisis, England was called the “sick man of Europe”. Margaret managed to revive the former authority of Foggy Albion and ensure a preponderance of forces in favor of the conservatives.
"Thatcherism" in politics
This term refers to the attitudes that were characteristic of Margaret Thatcher in ideology, morality, and politics. She tried to implement them when she was prime minister.
Its main characteristic can be called the “right to inequality.” The politician argued that it is natural for a person to move towards something good, better than what he already has. currently. Thatcher advocated free enterprise and initiative for profit. However, at the same time, she condemned the “passion for money for money’s sake.”
For Thatcherism, equality is a mirage. And the right to inequality, in turn, pushes a person to stand out, improving himself and improving the quality of his own life. That is why she did not condemn wealth, but, on the contrary, called on all citizens of the country to make efforts to increase it in order to further improve the standard of living.
Childhood
Margaret Thatcher (Roberts) was born in 1925 on October 13 in Grantham, near London in the north. Her family lived modestly, without excesses, one might say, ascetic for the way of life of people Western Europe. There was no running water, amenities were also located on the street. The family had two daughters, Muriel - the eldest, and Margaret - 4 years younger than her.
The eldest was like her mother in everything - Beatrice, while the youngest was an exact copy of her father Alfred. She was known as his favorite, so from early childhood her parent began to instill in her all those qualities that later helped her greatly in adulthood and turned her into a symbol of the era of conservatism in Great Britain in the 20th century.
At the age of 5, Margaret began taking piano lessons, and four years later she won a poetry competition. At the awards ceremony, the school principal told Margaret that she was very lucky, to which she replied: “It’s not luck, it’s merit.” From an early age she grew up as a debater, so she was a regular member of the debating club and early years She answered the questions posed with full, meaningful answers, unlike her peers, who “get off” with interjections only.
Father is ideal for Margaret
Alfred had an elementary education, but was distinguished by his thirst for new knowledge, as a result of which he did not spend a day without reading. He instilled this quality in his daughter. They went to the library together and borrowed two books for a week with the goal of reading them one at a time.
It was her father who instilled in little Margaret the quality of being different from everyone else. He instilled in her that a person should “lead” and not be “followed.” To do this, it was necessary to work day after day, thinking about the future and about one’s position in society. Alfred repeated many times: you don’t need to act just because others are doing it.
Her father was her ideal; little Margaret believed that he knew everything. Her characteristic feature was a thirst for knowledge. She had a desire to gain new information and experience. Margaret attended council meetings with her father, acquiring a taste for politics, theatricality and eloquence. She was 10 years old then.
Margaret Thatcher remembered her father's instructions for many years and walked through life with them. It was he who brought up in the child those foundations that today the whole world calls with the capacious term “Thatcherism”.
Thatcher's versatile education
Having matured, Margaret remained as conservative as in early childhood. The reason for this was the views on the life of her beloved dad. He was a representative of Protestantism with all the ensuing consequences; in addition, he was a grocer businessman. She never went to dances or to see movies, but she early began working in the warehouse of the Roberts family store, where she learned the basics of business and making a profit.
At the same time, she showed determination - in 4 years she learned Latin in order to enter the most prestigious women's college in Oxford - Somerville. Her roommate recalled that Margaret would get up while it was still dark and try to study something. The second year of study was difficult: she fell in love with the count's son, but his mother cruelly rejected the girl, saying that the daughter of a simple grocer was no match for her son.
The ambitious girl increasingly realized that politics was conquering her soul. Margaret Thatcher was active in political debate and during these years joined the Conservative Association, becoming its first female president in 1946.
She completed her education at Oxford College in 1947 with a BA in Chemistry. She immediately found a job as a celluloid plastics research scientist in Mannington.
In 1953, she received a law degree and spent the next 5 years mastering it in practice, working as a lawyer. A little later, she became a specialist in taxation, having studied this industry to perfection.
Thus, the education of the future politician turned out to be quite versatile: she knew the basics of building a business, had perfect information about legislation and taxes, in addition, she had an excellent understanding of scientific processes, and most importantly, Margaret Thatcher hatched reforms already in those days when she was still far away from the Prime Minister's chair.
Political debut
Oddly enough, after graduating from school, Margaret knew very well where she would continue her studies - at Oxford. Why there? Yes because in this educational institution All future British ministers studied. There she wasted no time in joining the KAOU - the Conservative Association of Oxford University. This began her ascent to political Olympus.
Even then she had a desire to run for the estate representative body, but for this she had to first become the president of KAOU. And Thatcher became one in 1946. This status began to take up a lot of time, she slept 3-4 hours a day. The moment came when she had to choose between politics and education - she chose the first. Therefore, it is no wonder that Margaret Thatcher, in the past an excellent student and student, defended her diploma “satisfactorily”, and she was awarded a 2nd class bachelor’s degree.
Denis Thatcher - a guide to big politics
In 1948, Margaret's candidacy was approved to participate in the parliamentary elections, however, Labor has historically prevailed in Dartford, since the city was industrial. Therefore, she lost her first elections, but this further encouraged the woman to further active work.
At the same time, she met Denis Thatcher (it is by the last name of her husband that she is known throughout the world). In 1951, he proposed to her. The man was 33 years old and slightly older than her. Denis was a businessman and therefore could provide his young wife with everything she needed. Now she could devote herself entirely to politics, and Margaret Thatcher’s reforms (Great Britain badly needed them at that moment) had been incubating for a long time.
1953 became a “white” period in her life. The Thatcher couple gave birth to twins, and four months after that, Margaret passed the final exam and became a lawyer. She chose the tax field as her specialization in her practice, having studied it thoroughly, which will be very useful for politicians in the future.
To summarize the chapter, it must be said that Denis played a huge role in Margaret’s political growth. It was after the wedding that she could completely devote herself to her favorite activity - politics.
Road to Parliament
At the end of the 1950s, Margaret began to work on parliamentary elections with renewed vigor. The most not an easy task there was a search for a district from which to stand as a candidate. She started with but there she became second, which blocked her path to parliament. In another district of the same county the situation was similar. At the same time, in Finchley, a candidate refused to stand for parliament. Work has begun! There were 200 applicants for this place. A written competition was held, following which 22 participants were selected. An oral presentation was then made, after which only 4 candidates remained, including Margaret Thatcher. She was elected as a candidate from the constituency, which meant she was effectively elected to parliament.
In 1959, she entered the English parliament - the path to big politics was open. That time was very unfavorable for the Conservatives, difficulties began in the economy, Prime Minister Macmillan fell ill and resigned. And the parliamentary elections of 1964 “seated” the conservatives on the opposition bench. And Margaret herself was appointed shadow minister for housing in the same year.
Party leader
The 70s were difficult for the economy and domestic situation in Great Britain. In the post-war period, the country began to move backward in its development and was no longer even included in the top ten leaders, although it had always been at the forefront.
In 1974, the question of choosing the head of the Conservatives was raised. Margaret Thatcher announced her candidacy, becoming a rival to the current leader E. Heath. The elections shocked him: out of 276, 130 votes were cast in favor of Thatcher and only 19 for Heath, after which he withdrew his candidacy. But instead of him, Margaret had new rivals. The most serious of whom was Whitelaw. The second round of elections was held on 02/11/1975, which reflected Thatcher’s undoubted advantage: 146 elected representatives of the people voted for her, while Whitelaw received 79 votes.
It was a very difficult time for the conservatives; they were defeated twice in parliamentary elections, the number of party members fell sharply, and a party crisis ensued. It was clear: the party needed “new blood.” And Thatcher, like no one else, coped with this difficult mission.
The Iron Lady of British Politics Margaret Thatcher
She first became prime minister in 1979. These were difficult elections: until the very end, no one was sure of the victory of the Conservatives, but the final figures showed that 339 of the 635 seats in parliament were assigned to the Conservatives. Margaret understood that now she would be able to realize the ideas that she had been harboring in her head for more than one year. A new era has begun in Great Britain.
The period of Thatcher's premiership was very tense: an economic and social crisis erupted in the country. The UK industry's share of the world economy has fallen by a quarter since the Second World War. Enterprises suffered losses, the wage. And entrepreneurs were forced to lower the quality of the product they produced in order to reduce the cost. The economic crisis has already begun to develop into a political one, corrupting the country from the inside.
Premier's departure
In 1990, M. Thatcher resigned. A whole era has passed with her. The Iron Lady managed to restore the United Kingdom to its former power and splendor, returning it again to the ranks of the leaders of the world economy and politics. This merit will remain forever in the memory of the English people, and the name of Margaret Thatcher will forever be etched in political history Great Britain. On April 8, 2013, the Iron Lady passed away. Many people wonder: how old is Thatcher? Margaret lived a long life interesting life, having reached the age of 87. The farewell procession was held in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, members of her family, as well as political figures of a bygone era.
