BELLWORK To what extent were Galtieri & Thatcher pressured by other generals/leaders to go to war over the Falklands? Describe Argentina’s plan to take back the Malvinas. (2 stages) What was the purpose of the HMS Endurance? Why doesn’t PM Thatcher settle this dispute diplomatically? Who did the U.S. side with? Why? Why did Britain want to publicize the movement of their task force? THINKER: Do you think Britain’s position in the UN security council benefitted them during the conflict? Why or why not? Do you think the UN should’ve reacted differently? Explain!

Admiral Jorge Anaya was the driving force in the Junta's decision to invade the Falklands 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

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

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.

HMS Endurance at Mar del Plata naval base, during her trip to the Falklands on February 1982

Route of the HMS Endurance How did the movement of the HMS Endurance correspond with Argentine military plans?

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

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

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 As UN diplomatic talks broke down, it was clear there was no turning back! Neither side officially declared war, but come on….. Obviously!!!

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

Review: Causes of the Falklands War

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

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?

Homework By Monday: Read pages 193-203 and take notes on: Advantages/Disadvantages for Argentina Advantages/Disadvantages for England Strategies used (air/sea/land) Reasons it was a Limited War Ending & Effects