SBS50: Biggest Stories 1979

In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister until 1990 and during her time in office earned the nickname the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising politics and leadership style.

Margaret Thatcher talking to television interviewers as she arrives at 10 Downing Street for the first time as Prime Minister. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images) Credit: PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Why should enterprise and opportunity be dirty words?

Margaret Thatcher

She was also considered a trailblazer for female leaders in Western democracies.

The opinion polls will dash about, they always do. And you have to have an iron nerve, which is appropriate for an iron lady.

Mrs Thatcher's years in office were bookended by two defining events of global significance.

On Christmas Day 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Ten years later, the Berlin Wall came down, heralding the collapse of the Soviet empire.

One of the twentieth century's most influential figures, Lady Thatcher died in 2013 at the age of 87.

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