“Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher becomes British Prime Minister.
She is the first, and so far, only woman to hold the position.
She saved a generation of Brits from socialism, and reversed the
course of their downfall. Her election was timely, as a year
later, Americans would elect President Ronald Reagan (R-USA).
The two of them rekindled the U.S.-UK relationship and are
considered conservative icons of the twentieth century, as well
as heroes of the Cold War. Thatcher shared Reagan’s belief in
the evils of Communism and also shared his dry wit. But Thatcher
is not merely a shadow of Reagan. She is her own woman, and a
strong one. The position and direction of the UK at the time of
her election are eerily similar to what America faces today. She
was able to turn things around, just when it seemed that
socialism would take over and steer the UK to its inevitable
demise. Britain prospered under her leadership and is still
feeling the effects of her efforts today, though she’s been out
of office for over 20 years.