How Did Margaret Thatcher Influence British Politics

Margaret Thatcher was a political figure who was both loved and loathed. During her 11 years as prime minister she was often unpopular, hugely criticised and many saw her as being the destroyer of the livelihoods of millions of workers. However, Thatcher was still admired for her uncompromising character and her cast iron will which helped change the face of Britain, hence her nickname “The Iron Lady”. The role that Thatcher played on British politics was profound and the impact can still be seen today. She was the first woman prime minister, the longest continuously serving prime minister and was the first prime minister to lead her party to three consecutive general election victories. Throughout her political career she showed determination
and leadership qualities which were highly deserving of admiration.
Margaret Thatcher was born in 1925 as Margaret Roberts and grew up in Grantham, Lincolnshire. She was the second child to Alfred and Beatrice Roberts and grew up living in the flat above her family’s grocery store. Thatcher’s father had a huge influence on her as he was very involved in local politics. From a young age until many years after she left home, Thatcher’s father was a Grantham town councillor, chairman of the finance committee and for one year, mayor. During World War Two, Thatcher began to idolise Winston Churchill and was inspired by his refusal to give in to Nazism. Churchill’s uncompromising attitude later proved to be a big influence on Thatcher’s politics and personality. In 1943, Thatcher began her chemistry degree at Oxford University and was elected president of the Oxford University Conservative Association. She graduated in 1947 and although she got a job at BX Plastics she was still interested in politics. In order to pursue her interest in politics Thatcher joined the Young Conservatives.