Margaret Thatcher

By thelukehauser

  • Birth

    Born as Margaret Roberts in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England.
  • Period: to

    Life and achievements of Margaret Thatcher

  • Thatcher wins a spot in Oxford University

    Earned a scholarship to Somerville College, Oxford, one of the few women's colleges at the time.

  • Married

    Marries Denis Thatcher, a wealthy businessman; they later have twins, Carol and Mark.

  • Barrister

    Qualifies as a barrister (lawyer), specializing in tax law

  • Elected

    Elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Finchley as a Conservative.

  • First government role

    Appointed Parliamentary Undersecretary for Pensions and National Insurance

  • Secretary

    Became Secretary of State for Education and Science under Prime Minister Edward Heath.

  • Milk Policy

    Faces backlash for ending free school milk for children over age 7, earning the nickname “Milk Snatcher.”

  • Leads Conservatives

    Elected Leader of the Conservative Party, the first woman to lead a major UK political party.

  • Prime Minister

    Becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the first woman ever to hold the office.

  • Falklands War win

    Leads Britain to victory in the Falklands War against Argentina, boosting her popularity.

  • Bombing

    Survives an IRA bombing at the Conservative Party conference in Brighton.

  • Miner's Strike

    Stands firm during the Miners’ Strike, significantly weakening trade union power.

  • Poll Tax

    Introduces the Poll Tax (Community Charge), which becomes deeply unpopular.

  • Resignation

    Resigns as Prime Minister after losing party support; succeeded by John Major.

  • Death

    Dies at age 87 from a stroke in London.