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From the Cold War Through the Falklands 1969 - 1990

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Published in Harrier Boys Volume 1: From The Cold War Through The Falklands 1969 1990

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Harrier Boys Volume 1: From the Cold War through the Falklands, 1969-1990

by Kathleen Flinn

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7958 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, and their respective allies, from the mid-1940s until the early 1990s. The Cold War was primarily characterized by a military standoff, with both sides possessing nuclear weapons, and a competition for influence in different parts of the world. The Falklands War, which took place in 1982, was a notable conflict during the Cold War, and it had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time.

The Cold War

The origins of the Cold War can be traced back to the end of World War II, when the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two dominant superpowers. The United States was committed to the containment of communism, while the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence and promote its ideology. This led to a series of confrontations, such as the Berlin Blockade in 1948-1949, the Korean War in 1950-1953, and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Throughout the Cold War, both sides engaged in an arms race, which saw the development of increasingly sophisticated weapons systems, including nuclear weapons.

The Cold War had a profound impact on the global order. It led to the division of Europe into two blocs, with the Western Bloc led by the United States and the Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union. The Cold War also fueled conflicts in different parts of the world, such as the Vietnam War and the Afghan War. Additionally, the Cold War had a significant impact on the development of science and technology, as both sides invested heavily in research and development.

The Falklands War

The Falklands War was a short but intense conflict that took place in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The war began on April 2, 1982, when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. The British government responded by sending a task force to retake the islands, and a series of naval and air battles ensued. The conflict lasted for 74 days and resulted in the British recapture of the Falkland Islands. The war had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time, and it also led to the downfall of the Argentine military junta.

Causes of the Falklands War

The Falklands War was caused by a number of factors, including:

Argentina's long-standing claim to the Falkland Islands
The British government's decision to reduce its military presence in the South Atlantic
The Argentine military junta's desire to boost its popularity and legitimacy

The Argentine government had always maintained that the Falkland Islands were part of Argentina, and it had long sought to regain control of the islands. The British government, on the other hand, had maintained that the Falkland Islands were a British overseas territory, and it was not willing to negotiate their sovereignty.

In the early 1980s, the British government decided to reduce its military presence in the South Atlantic. This decision was made in an effort to cut costs, and it left the Falkland Islands relatively undefended. The Argentine military junta saw this as an opportunity to invade the islands.

The Argentine military junta was also motivated by a desire to boost its popularity and legitimacy. The junta had come to power in a military coup in 1976, and it had been facing growing discontent from the Argentine people. The junta hoped that a successful invasion of the Falkland Islands would unite the Argentine people behind it.

Impact of the Falklands War

The Falklands War had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time. The war led to the downfall of the Argentine military junta, and it also helped to boost the popularity of Margaret Thatcher, who was the British Prime Minister at the time. The war also had a significant impact on the British military, which was forced to modernize and improve its capabilities.

In addition to its impact on the geopolitical landscape, the Falklands War also had a significant impact on the development of military technology. The war saw the use of new weapons systems, such as the Harrier jump jet and the Sea Skua missile. The war also led to the development of new tactics and strategies for naval and air warfare.

The Legacy of the Cold War and the Falklands War

The Cold War and the Falklands War were two of the most significant events of the 20th century. These events had a profound impact on the global order, and their legacy continues to be felt today. The Cold War ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the Falklands War ended in 1982 with the British recapture of the Falkland Islands. However, the legacy of these events continues to shape the world in which we live.

The Legacy of the Cold War

The Cold War had a number of long-term effects on the global order, including:

The division of Europe into two blocs
The development of nuclear weapons
The arms race
The rise of the United States as the world's sole superpower

The Cold War also had a significant impact on the development of science and technology. The space race, which was a major aspect of the Cold War, led to the development of new technologies, such as satellites and rockets. The Cold War also led to the development of new computer technologies, as both sides invested heavily in research and development.

The Legacy of the Falklands War

The Falklands War had a number of long-term effects on the geopolitical landscape, including:

The downfall of the Argentine military junta
The boost in popularity for Margaret Thatcher
The modernization of the British military
The development of new weapons systems and tactics

The Falklands War also had a significant impact on the relationship between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The war led to a period of tension between the two countries, and it is still a source of controversy today.

Harrier Boys Volume 1: From the Cold War through the Falklands, 1969-1990

by Kathleen Flinn

4.3 out of 5