South Atlantic conflict facts for kids
The South Atlantic conflict was a series of disagreements and battles between Argentina and the United Kingdom in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Later, Chile also supported the British side. The main reason for the conflict was Argentina's actions to stop the UK from taking back its lands near the Antarctic Peninsula. This conflict included the Falklands War and the Invasion of South Georgia. Even though there were many standoffs, the conflict eventually ended with a British victory.
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Early Disagreements
Back in 1908 and 1917, the United Kingdom said it owned parts of Antarctica and some islands nearby. This made Argentina, which was not friendly with the UK, worried. Argentina then made its own claims to the same areas. These disagreements led to small battles in 1948 and 1952.
Battle for Deception Island
In 1948, both British and Argentine navy forces landed on Deception Island near Antarctica. This island is actually a volcano that has a natural harbor. Its waters are warm from the volcano, so they don't freeze. This made it a very important spot for both countries. There were some shots fired, but no one was hurt. The conflict ended with no clear winner.
Hope Bay Incident
Another disagreement happened in 1952. British soldiers landed near an Argentine camp on the peninsula. They wanted to reopen an old British base. Argentina saw this as an attack. Their soldiers fired warning shots. The British ship, John Biscoe, went back to the Falkland islands for new orders. It returned with a much stronger ship, HMS Burghead Bay. This made the Argentine forces leave and say sorry.
A Time of Peace
How the World Helped
Seven years later, in 1959, peace came because of the Antarctic Treaty System. This treaty said that no military actions could happen on Antarctica. It also set borders for countries' claims and helped solve land disputes. This treaty brought 23 years of peace to the South Atlantic. During this time, many people lived on the continent and did a lot of research.
On December 14, 1960, the United Nations passed a rule, Resolution 1514. It said that "colonies" should become independent. Argentina thought this meant the UK had to leave the Falkland Islands. These islands are just north of the Antarctic Treaty area. So, the UN told Argentina and the UK to talk about the Falklands. They also had to explain to the UN why Resolution 1514 supported their side. In 1964, Argentina's representative, Jose Ruda, presented their case. But the UN decided not to pick a side.
Operation Condor Incident
In 1966, the 23 years of peace were briefly stopped by something called Operation Condor. This was when some Argentine people tried to take control of the Falkland Islands. They took over an airplane, Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight 648, and made it land on the Falklands. They took some people hostage and demanded that the land be given to them. But a Catholic priest talked to them and convinced them to stop.
First Invasions
In 1976, the government of Argentina was taken over by the military. A new government, called a dictatorship, took power.
Invasion of the Falkland Islands
On April 2, 1982, 20 Argentine vehicles that could travel on land and water arrived at the port of Stanley. They brought 630 Argentine soldiers who then took control of the islands. Very few people were hurt. The Argentine army sent some of the people they captured back to Britain and put others in prison.
Invasion of South Georgia
A day later, on April 3, 1982, 60 Argentine soldiers landed at the port of Grytviken. They arrived on a ship that was used for scrap metal. They quickly defeated the British defenses and took over the island of South Georgia, and also the South Sandwich Islands. No British soldiers were hurt. One Argentine helicopter was shot down, and 4 people died. The British soldiers on the island were sent back to Britain.
Argentine Control
After the Argentines took control of the islands, they set up a new government. This government lasted for about two and a half months. The islands were renamed "Malvinas," and their capital was called "Puerto Argentino." The money used there was changed to the Argentine peso. The Argentines did not treat the islanders badly. Those who did not like the new Argentine government were sent to Uruguay to travel to Britain.
British Takeback
On May 2, 1982, a British submarine sank an Argentine ship. This was the start of a big battle. Instead of trying to break through the Argentine navy's blockade at Stanley, the British forces landed on the other side of the island, which was less protected. From there, they fought their way across the island. They took back the city of Goose Green and other small towns.
Finally, in early June, the British land forces reached Stanley. Other British ships blocked the Stanley harbor, cutting it off from the rest of the world. By June 14, it was clear that the Argentines would soon run out of supplies. Their commander gave up, but only if the Argentine soldiers could keep their weapons and be sent back to Argentina. This surrender marked the end of the Falklands War.
What Happened Next
Even though the war was small in terms of people hurt and money spent, it had big effects on both the UK and Argentina.
Argentina's Changes
The Argentine military government's failure to take the Falklands made the Argentine people think they were weak. Many protests happened, which led to the military government falling. Argentina then became a democracy again.
United Kingdom's Boost
For the UK, their army's victory greatly helped the popularity of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative party. She was reelected by a large number of votes, and her party gained many seats in the House of Commons. Also, to make sure the Falkland Islanders were loyal, the British parliament passed a law in 1983. This law gave British citizenship to everyone living on the islands.
