BELLWORK: January 31st To what extent were Galtieri & Thatcher pressured by other generals/leaders to go to war over the Falklands? Who did the U.S. side with? Why? What did the O.A.S. declare with regards to the outbreak of war? How did the U.N. get involved in the Falklands conflict? Explain the sinking of the General Belgrano. Why was this a turning point in the war? How did it change strategy? THINKER: Who do you think is most at fault for the outbreak of war in the Falklands? Was there anything that could have been done to prevent this war from escalating?

Pressure on Galtieri Admiral Jorge Anaya was the driving force in the Junta's decision to invade Never believed the UK would respond militarily. Their goal: mobilize Argentines' patriotic feelings towards the islands and thus divert public attention from the country's economic problems and the regime's ongoing human rights violations

Pressure on Thatcher First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Henry Leach assured the Prime Minister he could have a task force ready in 48 hours. Guaranteed a victory! Thatcher worried the public/press would demand an immediate response.

Why didn’t Thatcher settle this dispute diplomatically?

Who did the U.S. side with? Why? “I knew of the enormous admiration that Mr. Reagan had for Mrs. Thatcher, and the similar views that they had on many subjects. I never really had any doubt that in the final analysis, in the absence of Britain accepting one of the mediation offers, that we would come down pretty solidly where we did…basically, there was a trust and a friendship, personal friendship as well as professional friendships, all the way along the line. Certainly, the admiration that President Reagan had for Mrs. Thatcher, I would have found it almost inconceivable that in the final analysis, he would not have supported Britain in this situation.” Secretary of Defense Weinberger

What did the O.A.S. declare with regards to the outbreak of war? Supported Argentina Problematic for U.S. who was also in N.A.T.O w/ UK Rio Pact of 1947: An attack on one OAS state = attack on all! OAS ordered resolution that denounced Britain and called for an end to hostilities  U.S. abstained – saw Argentina as the aggressor

How did the U.N. get involved in the Falklands conflict?

Foreign Involvement in the Falklands Role of the UN Role of the US Attempted to find negotiated peace Resolution 502 (did not take action when broken) GB supported by Security Council (until Belgrano) Ceasefire resolution supported by 9 countries; vetoed by GB GB was key to Cold War alliance Ascension Island used as a base Supplied GB with aviation fuel & missiles Supported their veto in the UN

March 19, 1982: group of marines (posing as scrap metal merchants) raised Argentine flag over South Georgia April 2, 1982: Argentina sent troops & occupied the Falklands April 3: UN Resolution 502 demands withdrawal of all forces; GB announces task force to be sent to reclaim islands April 28: Britain establishes a TEZ May 2: Britain sinks Argentine battle cruiser General Belgrano killing 323 (importance?) As UN diplomatic talks broke down, it was clear there was no turning back! Neither side officially declared war, but come on….. Obviously!!!

General Belgrano

Mario Menendez: Argentine General; came to Falklands to become governor

THINKER: Who do you think is most at fault for the outbreak of war in the Falklands? Was there anything that could have been done to prevent this war from escalating?

Britain Argentina Advantages/ Strengths (Include weapon advances)   Britain Argentina Advantages/ Strengths (Include weapon advances) Disadvantages/ Weaknesses Goals Strategies (Include specific war plans)

British Task Force 65 ships 7,000 troops 42 planes 2 aircraft carriers were key Rest of ships would be stationed in Falklands sound 7,000 troops Army Regulars Royal Marines (trained in amphibious landings) 42 planes All carrier-born; 1/3 the size of Argentina Relied on Ascension Island to re-group and re-fuel (U.S. owned airstrip on island) Enforced the TEZ Highly publicize movement of task force…..why???

Why did Britain want to publicize the movement of their task force?

The cover of Newsweek magazine, 19 April 1982, depicts HMS Hermes, flagship of the British Task Force

Key locations in the Task Force’s logistic chain

HMS Invincible in the South Atlantic

A British Sea Harrier plane on the deck of the HMS Invincible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShvcULmHYlo

HMS Sheffield https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV8sI6BRF_o

Argentine Naval Plans Est. presence on S. Georgia Launch full scale invasion Avoid TEZ w/ aircraft Keep in mind: the Royal Navy was in the middle of military cutbacks that eliminated its force of aircraft carriers & amphibious vehicles Changes after Belgrano

Argentine Air Force Plans FAA pilots plan during the war Argentine Air Force: (Fuerza Aérea Argentina; FAA) Due to the distance required to fly to the islands, two minutes was the average time FAA attack aircraft had available in the target area.

FAA primarily used French-made Super Étendard jets (could fire French-made Exocet missiles)

Ending/Effects of the Falklands War (54-55)

Historical Role Play Group A: Advisers to General Galtieri advocating FOR war over the Falklands Group B: Advisers to General Galtieri advocating AGAINST war over the Falklands Group C: Advisers to Margaret Thatcher arguing FOR war over the Falklands Group D: Advisers to Margaret Thatcher arguing AGAINST war over the Falklands You need to prepare a brief presentation/speech/statement on your viewpoint Your presentation should be review! Focus on actual arguments and events leading up to the Falklands War.

What do YOU think? Which viewpoint do you agree with? Who should be blamed for the conflict? Why couldn’t this dispute be settled diplomatically? Were there any alternatives?