1. Margaret Thatcher
The Iron Lady

2. Early Life Margaret Hilda Roberts Studied at Oxford
Oct 13th 1925
Studied at Oxford
Research chemist
Married Dennis Thatcher, wealthy businessman

3. Early political career
Conservative member of parliament
1979 won general election to become the leader of the party
Thatcher became the Prime Minister
Advocated for
‘Thatcherism’
Privatizing state-owned industries and utilities
Reform trade unions
Lowering taxes
Helped reduce inflation
Unemployment increased

4. Career Falklands War Helped win second term in 1983
Close political relationship with US (Reagan)
‘Iron Lady’
Soviet nickname
Won third term in 1987
Downfall
Fixed rate local tax
Opposition to closer integration in Europe
Divisions within the Conservative Party

5. End of an Era Resigned as PM in Nov. 1990
1992 Thatcher left the House of Commons
Appointed peeress in the House of Lords
Thatcher Foundation
Advance cause of political and economic freedom
1995 – Order of the Garter
Highest order of knighthood in England
Died in 2013

6. Thatcher Articles Even: Odd: Economic Article World View Article
With a partner, share the main ideas of your article.
Please take down notes and be prepared to discuss as a whole class

7. 60 Minutes Interview

8. Thatcher Articles
Explain the economic philosophy of Margaret Thatcher. Why did she believe this was the best route for Britain? Was it successful?
Why was she given the nickname the Iron Lady? Do you believe this was an appropriate name for her? Explain.
How did others around the world view Thatcher? What should her legacy be?

9. Thatcher Quote ASSIGNMENT
Find THREE quotes from Margaret Thatcher that you believe best exemplify her reign as prime minster.
Explain why you picked the quotes
(2-4 sentences)
Can be typed or handwritten
Cite source from which quote was found
DUE: Monday, June 6th

10. Reflection Questions
How do you think Margaret might have felt as she entered the House of Commons for the first time? Can you identify with feeling like that from any situations you have faced in your own life?
What other historical figures have broken down barriers in a similar way? What motivated them to fight for change?
What do you think ‘equality’ meant for Margaret, and what does it mean to you? If you have ever been held back by others’ views of you, how did it make you feel? Why is equality so important?
Do you think that we now live in a fair society? What assumptions might still need to be challenged? What is the best way to go about changing attitudes?
What is the most difficult obstacle that you have faced, either in the past or present? How successfully have you tackled it? What qualities and resources might help us to overcome obstacles in our lives?
Margaret had the support of her husband Denis, but she often seemed to face obstacles alone. What role does the support of others play in helping us overcome difficulties? How can we act as a support to the people around us?
Margaret’s approach towards career and family is a major focus of the film. Can you identify with the dilemma that she faces? What is your reaction towards her choices?
How do you think that full-time parenthood is viewed by society? Why might the role of parents sometimes be overlooked or undervalued? What does it take to build and maintain good relationships in a family?
Denis challenges Margaret about confusing duty with ambition. What do you think is the difference between the two? What are the positive and negative aspects of being ambitious? Who – if anyone – do we have a ‘duty’ towards?