The Falkland War

Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to shed light on the events that led up to the 1982 Falkland War between Britain and Argentina by presenting a history of the Falkland Islands. The paper looks at why both Argentina and Britain could each justly claim to be rightful rulers of that territory, as well as why Argentina was prepared to go to war over the Islands and the diplomatic efforts that were undertaken in an effort to avoid the war. The paper also suggests that Britain's defeat of Argentina helped put an end to the tyranny of Argentina's military leader and bring democracy to that country.

From the Paper:

"When Argentina splintered off of Spain, it claimed the Falkland Islands as its own: "Following independence from Spain in 1816, the future state of Argentina lays claim to the previous colonial territories, and in 1820 sends a frigate to take possession of the Falklands" (Battle). The British were forced to yield, and the Falkland Islands were technically a part of Argentina for a full decade before the tides of change once more put them up for grabs after Argentina foolishly angered the U.S. "In 1831, after arresting American sealers accused of poaching, Louis Vernet sails . . . for Buenos Aires where the captain is to stand trial. In reprisal, the US warship "Lexington" arrives off Puerto Soledad, destroys the fortifications, arrests some of the people and declares the islands free of government before sailing away" (Battle). The Islands would not remain ungoverned for long."

More papers on The Falkland War:

• Essay # 32430 : "The Falklands War: Justification and Misperception"
• Comparison Essay # 83556 : "The Peloponnesian and the Falklands Wars "
• Essay # 30892 : "The Royal Navy after Falklands"

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