Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, holding office from 1979 to 1990.  She was known as the “Iron Lady” for her uncompromising politics and leadership style.  She was a key figure in the Conservative Party and implemented significant economic reforms known as Thatcherism.  She was born Margaret Hilda Roberts on October 13, 1925, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England.  Thatcher studied chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, and worked briefly as a research chemist before becoming a barrister. She entered politics and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Finchley in 1959. Rising through the ranks, she became the leader of the Conservative Party in 1975.  As Prime Minister, Thatcher focused on reducing the power of trade unions, privatizing state-owned industries, and promoting free-market policies. Her tenure saw significant economic and social changes, as well as controversial policies like the poll tax. She also played a crucial role in the Falklands War in 1982.  Thatcher resigned in 1990 and was succeeded by John Major. She was later given a life peerage as Baroness Thatcher and continued to influence political discourse until her death on April 8, 2013.

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