In the pre-dawn darkness of April 2, 1982, Argentine commandos launched Operation Rosario, a full-scale invasion of the Falkland Islands. Landing covertly, they advanced on the capital, Port Stanley, and quickly surrounded Government House. The small British garrison was hopelessly outnumbered and, after a short fight, was ordered to surrender. The island’s governor, Rex Hunt, was forced to capitulate, but not before telling the Argentine commander, "You are here illegally." Back in Buenos Aires, the military junta led by General Leopoldo Galtieri announced the reclamation of the ‘Malvinas’ to cheering crowds, a gamble designed to distract from a failing economy. The United Nations Security Council acted swiftly, passing Resolution 502 on April 3, the day after the invasion. It demanded an immediate Argentine withdrawal from the islands. But Galtieri’s forces were not leaving.
The Falklands War
In 1982 Argentina seized the Falkland Islands and Britain sent a fleet 8,000 miles to take them back. Why it happened and how it was decided in 74 days.
Operation Rosario
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Argentina invade the Falkland Islands in 1982?
Argentina's military junta, led by General Leopoldo Galtieri, launched the invasion to distract the public from severe economic turmoil and human rights abuses, known as the 'dirty war'. They hoped a successful reclamation of the islands, which they call the Malvinas, would generate a surge of patriotic support and secure their hold on power.
What was the most controversial event of the Falklands War?
The sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano on May 2, 1982, remains the most controversial event. A British submarine torpedoed the ship while it was outside the 200-mile Total Exclusion Zone, resulting in the loss of 323 lives. Britain justified the attack by claiming the ship posed a threat, but the decision is still debated.
What were the political consequences of the war?
The war had dramatic political consequences for both nations. In Britain, the victory led to a massive surge in popularity for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, securing her a landslide election victory in 1983. In Argentina, the defeat discredited the military junta, causing its collapse and a return to democratic rule.
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