Margaret Thatcher, also known as the "Iron Lady," was a prominent British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the leader of the Conservative Party and the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in the UK.
Margaret Hilda Roberts, as she was then known, was born on October 13, 1925, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England. She studied chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, and later worked as a research chemist before entering politics.
Thatcher was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1959 and held various positions in the government before becoming the leader of the Conservative Party in 1975. She implemented a series of economic and social reforms during her time as Prime Minister, earning a reputation for her conservative policies and strong leadership style.
Thatcher's policies, often referred to as Thatcherism, included reducing the power of trade unions, privatizing state-owned industries, and deregulating the economy. She also played a significant role in foreign affairs, particularly during the Cold War era.
Thatcher's legacy is marked by both admiration and controversy. Supporters credit her with revitalizing the British economy and promoting individual initiative, while critics argue that her policies led to social inequality and the dismantling of public services.