Iron lady. History of success

The Iron Lady

The Iron Lady
From English: The iron Lady.
From the English newspaper The Sunday Times of January 25, 1979, where the phrase "iron lady" was thus translated from the Soviet newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.
On January 19, 1976, Thatcher (then leader of the Conservative Opposition) stated in one of her speeches that "the Russians are striving for world domination." This was followed by a response in the newspaper of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR "Red Star" - an article by a military journalist, Captain Yuri Gavrilov, entitled "Iron Lady" frightens ... "(January 24, 1979). The author wrote that the "iron lady" "is called her (Thatcher. - Comp.) in her own country." This article was quoted by The Sunday Times, translating "iron lady" as "the iron lady" ("The iron Lady").
In fact, in the UK, Margaret Thatcher (b. 1925), known for her tough pragmatism and will to implement her political decisions, was originally called differently. On February 5, 1975, journalist Marjorie Proops (b. 1911) published an article in the London Daily Mirror newspaper, which was dedicated to M. Thatcher and was called "The Iron Maiden" ("Iron Maiden" - from the German "Eiserne Jungfrau" ). Nuremberg in the 17th century so called the instrument of torture in the form of an iron box, studded from the inside with steel spikes.
But another nickname stuck - of Soviet-English origin, and M. Thatcher herself willingly used it. So, she already led her election campaign in 1979 under the slogan "Britain needs an iron lady" ("The iron Lady").
Jokingly ironic: about a determined, adamant, strong-willed woman.

Encyclopedic Dictionary of winged words and expressions. - M.: "Lokid-Press". Vadim Serov. 2003 .

See what the "Iron Lady" is in other dictionaries:

The nickname of a number of women politicians, including Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher. Most of all, this nickname (English the Iron Lady) is associated with Thatcher, known for the rigidity and uncompromisingness of her politics; it was applied to her and in ... ... Political science. Dictionary.

This term has other meanings, see Margaret Thatcher. "Iron Lady" is a nickname used for women in high leadership positions in both business and public service, characterized by ... ... Wikipedia

Pub. About former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Mokienko 2003, 51 ...

The Iron Lady The Iron Lady ... Wikipedia

Jarg. magazine Shuttle. Governor of St. Petersburg V. Matvienko. INNS, 188 ... Big dictionary of Russian sayings

White lady. Jarg. narc. Heroin. BS, 35. The Iron Lady. Pub. About former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Mokienko 2003, 51. Lady Green (Green Lady). Jarg. arrest. Shuttle. Prison Priest. SRVS 1, 67, 203; SRVS 2, 30, 115; Grachev 1997 ... Big dictionary of Russian sayings

MACBETH AND LADY MACBETH (eng. Macbeth, lady Macbeth) are the heroes of W. Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth" (1606). Having drawn the plot for his "Scottish play" from the "Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland" by R. Holinshed, Shakespeare, following the biography set out in them ... ... literary heroes

Milady de Winter Margarita Terekhova as Milady Created by ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk district. Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District ... Wikipedia

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Books

• The Iron Lady, Douglas Carol Nelson. Let the prim Nell Huxley, faithful companion and chronicler Irene Adler, not always like the rampant customs of Paris, she is ready to go for a prima donna to the darkest back streets of Montmartre and even ...

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Iron Lady"- Nickname of Margaret Thatcher.

It is also used as a playfully ironic expression - in relation to a decisive, adamant, strong-willed woman. It is used in relation to women holding high leadership positions both in business and in the public service, characterized by an uncompromising character, a tough leadership style, who do not want to compromise.

Story

On February 5, 1975, an article about Margaret Thatcher by journalist Marjorie Proops appeared in the London Daily Mirror: "The Iron Maiden" ("The Iron Maiden"). The phrase was derived from it. "Eiserne Jungfrau" - the names of the torture instrument in the form of an iron box studded with steel spikes from the inside.

Expression iron lady (The Iron Lady) first appeared in the English newspaper The Sunday Times dated January 25, 1976, where the phrase “iron lady” was thus translated from an article by Yuri Gavrilov, a columnist for the newspaper of the USSR Ministry of Defense Krasnaya Zvezda, Red Star, about the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party for January 24, 1976 .

According to Captain Gavrilov, that's what they call her (i.e. Thatcher) in her own country.

The article was titled "Iron Lady" intimidates ... "and was a reaction to Thatcher's statement made to her during a speech in en: Kensington Town Hall on January 19, 1976 that "the Russians are striving for world domination":

Soon this nickname was firmly entrenched in the future Prime Minister, established itself in the English press and was adopted by Margaret Thatcher herself. She asked the London staff correspondent of Pravda Vsevolod Ovchinnikov to convey gratitude to Soviet journalists.

Margaret Thatcher's nicknames in her homeland were not particularly poetic before: "Battering Ram", "Armored Tank", "Shopkeeper's Daughter". Thatcher's most famous nickname in Britain is the "milk thief".

M. Thatcher used the expression in her 1979 election campaign - she led it under the slogan "Britain needs an iron lady" ("The iron Lady"). A well-timed phrase played no less a role than the millions of pounds spent on creating an election image.

We, thinking of pricking her (after all, it was our propagandists who came up with the expression "iron lady"), gave her a huge compliment. This has become its main characteristic and dignity, a trump card, if you like.

Reasons for the nickname

It is believed that this nickname Thatcher was fixed for her strong-willed, strong character and tough style of government (Thatcherism).

However, not everyone shares this opinion. So the famous British singer Morrissey said that " Thatcher was called the "iron lady" because she had a number of completely negative character traits - such as incredible stubbornness and inability to listen to others.».

Other carriers

Along with Margaret Thatcher, US Representative to the UN Jean Kirkpatrick and Dominica Prime Minister Eugenia Charles had the nickname "Iron Lady".

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Notes

An excerpt characterizing the Iron Lady

Anatole again entered the room and, trying to concentrate his attention, looked at Dolokhov, obviously involuntarily submitting to him.
- You listen to me, I'm telling you the last time. What should I joke with you? Did I cross you? Who arranged everything for you, who found the priest, who took the passport, who got the money? All I.
- Well, thank you. Do you think I'm not grateful to you? Anatole sighed and hugged Dolokhov.
- I helped you, but still I have to tell you the truth: the matter is dangerous and, if you take it apart, stupid. Well, you'll take her away, okay. Will they leave it like that? It turns out that you are married. After all, you will be brought to criminal court ...
– Ah! stupidity, stupidity! - Anatole spoke again, grimacing. “Because I told you. BUT? - And Anatole, with that special predilection (which stupid people have) for the conclusion that they reach with their own mind, repeated the reasoning that he repeated a hundred times to Dolokhov. “After all, I explained to you, I decided: if this marriage is invalid,” he said, bending his finger, “then I do not answer; Well, if it's real, it doesn't matter: no one abroad will know this, right? And don't talk, don't talk, don't talk!
- Right, come on! You only bind yourself...
“Go to hell,” said Anatole, and, holding his hair, went out into another room and immediately returned and sat down with his feet on an armchair close to Dolokhov. “The devil knows what it is!” BUT? Look how it beats! - He took Dolokhov's hand and put it to his heart. - Ah! quel pied, mon cher, quel regard! Une deesse!! [O! What a leg, my friend, what a look! Goddess!!] Huh?
Dolokhov, smiling coldly and shining with his beautiful, insolent eyes, looked at him, apparently wanting to still have some fun with him.
- Well, the money will come out, then what?
- What then? BUT? - Anatole repeated with sincere bewilderment at the thought of the future. - What then? There I don’t know what… Well, what nonsense to say! He looked at his watch. - It's time!
Anatole went into the back room.
– Well, will you soon? Dig in here! he shouted at the servants.
Dolokhov took away the money and, shouting to a man to order food and drink for the road, entered the room where Khvostikov and Makarin were sitting.
Anatole was lying in the study, leaning on his arm, on the sofa, smiling thoughtfully and softly whispering something to himself with his beautiful mouth.
- Go eat something. Well, have a drink! Dolokhov shouted to him from another room.
- I do not want! - Anatole answered, still smiling.
- Go, Balaga has arrived.
Anatole got up and went into the dining room. Balaga was a well-known troika driver who had known Dolokhov and Anatole for six years and served them with his troikas. More than once, when Anatole's regiment was stationed in Tver, he took him away from Tver in the evening, delivered him to Moscow by dawn, and took him away the next day at night. More than once he took Dolokhov away from the chase, more than once he drove them around the city with gypsies and ladies, as Balaga called. More than once, with their work, he crushed the people and cabbies around Moscow, and his gentlemen, as he called them, always rescued him. He drove more than one horse under them. More than once he was beaten by them, more than once they made him drunk with champagne and Madeira, which he loved, and he knew more than one thing behind each of them, which Siberia would have long deserved for an ordinary person. In their carousing, they often called Balaga, forced him to drink and dance with the gypsies, and more than one thousand of their money passed through his hands. In their service, he risked both his life and his skin twenty times a year, and in their work he overworked more horses than they overpaid him. But he loved them, he loved this crazy ride, at eighteen miles an hour, he loved to overturn a cab and crush a pedestrian in Moscow, and fly at full speed through Moscow streets. He loved to hear this wild cry of drunken voices behind him: “Let's go! gone!” while it was already impossible to go any faster; he liked to stretch painfully up the neck of the peasant, who, in any case, was neither dead nor alive, shunned him. "Real gentlemen!" he thought.
Anatole and Dolokhov also loved Balaga for his driving skills and for the fact that he loved the same thing as they did. Balaga dressed up with others, took twenty-five rubles for a two-hour ride, and with others he only occasionally went himself, and mostly sent his fellows. But with his masters, as he called them, he always rode himself and never demanded anything for his work. Only when he found out through the valets the time when there was money, he came in the morning sober once every few months and, bowing low, asked to help him out. It was always planted by the gentlemen.
“Release me, father Fyodor Ivanovich or your excellency,” he said. - I completely lost my horses, you can go to the fair, lend what you can.
Both Anatole and Dolokhov, when they were in money, gave him a thousand and two rubles each.
Balaga was fair-haired, with a red face and especially a red, thick neck, a squat, snub-nosed peasant, about twenty-seven, with small shining eyes and a small beard. He was dressed in a thin blue caftan lined with silk, worn over a sheepskin coat.
He crossed himself at the front corner and went up to Dolokhov, holding out his small black hand.
- Fyodor Ivanovich! he said, bowing.
- Good, brother. - Well, here he is.
“Hello, Your Excellency,” he said to Anatole, who was entering, and also held out his hand.
“I’m telling you, Balaga,” Anatole said, putting his hands on his shoulders, “do you love me or not?” BUT? Now serve the service ... On which ones did you come? BUT?

On the morning of April 8, 2013, one of the greatest women in the world, Margaret Thatcher, passed away. In the Soviet Union, and even in post-Soviet Russia, she was not particularly loved for her sharp criticism of the USSR and was nicknamed the "iron lady", later this nickname stuck to her both in the UK and around the world.

Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to serve as British Prime Minister. And if Winston Churchill, along with Franklin Roosevelt, opposed the empire, then Margaret Thatcher was one of those who brought the collapse of the USSR closer.

What was she really like, and how justified was the nickname "iron lady" given to her by the advice? Let's try to figure it out.

Many will say that she began her political career in 1959 after being elected to the Parliament of Finchley, Middlesex, but in fact Thatcher became a politician long before that. Her father Alfred Roberts, who owned two grocers in Grantham, took an active part in the political life of the city. He was a member of the local municipal council, and was also the pastor of the Methodist Church and his children, Margaret and Muriel, he brought up in strict Methodist canons. Therefore, it is safe to say that it was Alfred Roberts who sowed the seeds of the future politician in Margaret.

In the 1950s, politics faded into the background in her life. In 1951, she married Denis Thatcher, and two years later gave birth to twins - son Mark and daughter Carol.

She entered really big politics in 1959 after being elected to the House of Commons. After the victory of the Conservative Party in the parliamentary elections in 1970, Margaret Thatcher took the post of Minister of Science and Education of Great Britain, and 5 years later, on February 11, 1975, she managed to lead the party and lead it to victory in the elections on May 3, 1979. Then she became the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.

But in the USSR they heard about it much earlier. In 1976, Margaret Thatcher lashed out at the Soviet Union, after which the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda called her the "Iron Lady". The British media translated this nickname as the "iron lady", and it stuck with Margaret for life, reflecting her firm, unshakable character.

After becoming prime minister, she continued her anti-Soviet rhetoric, supporting most of the initiatives.

When Thatcher came to power, Britain was not taken seriously in the political arena. In many ways, this was the reason for the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, the British archipelago, the ownership of which is disputed by the Argentines. On April 2, 1982, Argentine troops established control over the islands, but already in June the British managed to drive them out of the archipelago.

Margaret Thatcher became one of the first Western politicians who positively assessed the reforms and openly announced the end of the Cold War, and in 1985 she visited the USSR, where she met with Gorbachev and Nikolai Ryzhkov.

Margaret Thatcher retired in 1992, but still retained a huge influence on British domestic and foreign policy. Even Queen Elizabeth II regularly asked for her advice on certain issues. Interestingly, it was Thatcher who called for the release of Augusto Pinochet, the former Chilean dictator, saying that he was of great help to Britain during the Falklands conflict.

In the last years of her life, Margaret Thatcher had health problems, and in December 2012 she underwent surgery to remove a bladder tumor. from a stroke on the morning of April 8th. The funeral is to take place on April 17 or 18. It is interesting that she thought over the plan of her funeral last year. Thatcher wanted to be accompanied on her last journey by members of the royal family, as well as leaders of her era, including Mikhail Gorbachev.

Elegance, conciseness, calmness, at work you need to look so as not to distract colleagues and inspire respect from customers.

Naturalness

The most important trump card of every woman, which she should not forget about when creating an image and applying makeup, is naturalness.

Beautiful classic things can not only give a strict look and emphasize elegance, but also make it possible, in the right combination, to create a miracle.

There are factors due to which a woman looks older than her age, cosmetologists and makeup artists believe

some organizations have a strict dress code that prohibits the wearing of jeans, T-shirts, shirts that are not approved by the charter of the company

Iron lady style

If a woman is called the "Iron Lady", then she is a completely independent, financially independent lady with taste who knows her business. Very often, the iron lady style is also called professional, since it excludes any defects and flaws. Everything is not just perfect here, here, as if each facial feature has its own character and is responsible for a specific form of behavior.

Character style "Iron Lady"

Probably everyone knows the prototype of this style - this is the charismatic Margaret Thatcher , in the footsteps of which many smart and strong-willed women followed. And I must say that this style has learned a lot from the image of its muse, so looking in the “iron lady” style is, in a sense, imitating Margaret Thatcher, while not forgetting that fashion canons are changing, and characteristic round earrings with English hats are not to everyone. It is important here that the appearance gives rise to a feeling of attracting others, and at the same time keeps a distance, showing its determination and readiness for hostilities, so to speak.

Important nuances of style

Now this style is the most popular among female leaders and business women, but unlike business and office style, there are much fewer restrictions in terms of wardrobe and make-up. Bright colors, eyeliner, expensive jewelry, etc. are allowed, and, in general, the ban only applies to openness. As in the above styles, a mini-skirt, tight leggings, a deep neckline and open shoulders are unacceptable, since these items of clothing show the sex appeal and at the same time the frivolity of a lady. And at a business meeting, they will be considered disrespectful at all. Of course, sexuality should be traced, but in some small strokes, and not in the general directions of the image.

Visual perfection of business acumen

If ordinary business makeup involves some kind of reticence, and the dimness of the contours, so that the authorities do not have the feeling that the employee is more worried about her appearance than about work, then there is no such problem in the image of the iron lady. Since a business woman is already quite successful, her job is precisely to attract new partners, which can be done not only with the help of business acumen, but also with an ideal appearance. Therefore, taking care of your appearance and bringing the image to perfection is practically the primary task of every managing woman. Accordingly, it is necessary to decide on the main colors and texture of cosmetics. And here it is important to determine with whom you have to meet more often - with clients, with a subordinate or with new potential partners. In the first case, a strict and even slightly intimidating make-up is suitable, in the second - soft warm, and in the third, some combination of the first two.

Clear and bright rigor

You can produce an enchanting business feeling with the help of bright shades, if you combine them correctly. According to statistics, most business women are blondes with platinum hair color or pronounced brunettes. But the main thing is that both of them prefer cold tones, so they choose lilac, blue, purple and orange-brown shades, combining them with transparent glosses or scarlet and pink lipsticks. Really purple shadows with eyeliner and good mascara, along with red lipstick, can look very impressive, making a woman combative and decisive, but there are some nuances here. Firstly, red lipstick does not suit women with thin lips, and secondly, a serious application of purple tones, as, in principle, any other dark shades, is suitable only for women with large eyes. Therefore, choosing such an iron lady style direction, you should be very careful.

The trick of natural iron style

Very interesting is the natural style of the iron lady, which involves the creation of cold make-up with a minimum of decorative cosmetics. The emphasis is not on the lips and eyes, as usual, but on the cheekbones and eyebrows, which are best able to express the desired emotionality.

Cold tonal bases, transparent shine, often white shadows or their complete absence are the characteristic features of this makeup. Of course, he, like the option described above, is suitable only for a certain type of women, but if you try, then you can apply it to your appearance.

The style of an iron lady should inspire others with professionalism, independence, determination and perhaps even a little fear. And every woman who has strong volitional qualities, in principle, does not need prompts, since there is a way to internally feel this subject.

Discuss on the forum;
The influence of fashion on our appearance and clothing style.

Vasilisa Ivanova

Reading time: 13 minutes

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Now women in politics will not surprise anyone. But when Margaret Thatcher began her career, it was nonsense in the puritanical and conservative society of Great Britain. She was condemned and hated. Only thanks to her character, she continued to "bend her line" and go to the intended goals.

Today, her person can serve as both an example and an anti-example. She is the perfect example of how determination leads to success. Also, her experience can serve as a reminder - excessive categoricalness can lead to failure and unpopularity.

How did Thatcher's "ironness" manifest itself? Why do so many people hate her even after death?

Difficult character from childhood

The "Iron Lady" did not suddenly become such - her difficult character was traced already in childhood. The father had a great influence on the girl.

Margaret Thatcher (nee Roberts) was born October 13, 1925. Her parents were ordinary people, her mother was a dressmaker, her father was from a shoemaker's family. Due to poor eyesight, the father was unable to continue the family business. In 1919 he was able to open his first grocery store, and in 1921 the family opened a second store.

Father

Despite his simple origin, Margaret's father had a strong character and an outstanding mind. He began his career as an assistant to the seller - and he independently became the owner of two shops.

Later, he achieved even greater success, and became a respected citizen of his city. He was a workaholic who occupied every free moment with various activities - he worked in a store, studied politics and economics, served as a pastor, was a member of the city council - and even mayor.

He devoted much of his time to raising his daughters. But this upbringing was specific. Children in the Roberts family had to do useful things all the time.

The family paid considerable attention to their intellectual development, but the emotional sphere was practically ignored. In the family, it was not customary to show tenderness and other emotions.

Hence comes the restraint, severity and coldness of Margaret.

These traits both helped and hurt her throughout her life and career.

School and university

Margaret's teachers respected her, but she was never their favorite. Despite diligence, hard work and the ability to memorize entire pages of text, she had no imagination and an outstanding mind. She was impeccably "correct" - but, apart from correctness, there were no other distinguishing features.

Among classmates, she also did not win much love. She was known as a typical "scribbler", which was, moreover, too boring. Her statements were always categorical, and she could argue until the opponent gave up.

Throughout her life, Margaret had only one girlfriend. Even with her own sister, she did not have a warm relationship.

Studying at the university only tempered her already difficult character. Women in those days were only recently allowed to study at universities. The bulk of Oxford students at that time were young people from rich and eminent families.

In such an uncomfortable environment, she became even colder.

She had to constantly show "needles".

Video: Margaret Thatcher. Path of the Iron Lady

Personal life of the "Iron Lady"

Margaret was a beautiful girl. It is not surprising that even with her complex nature, she attracted many young people.

At university, she met a young man from an aristocratic family. But their relationship was doomed from the very beginning - the parents would not allow kinship with the family of the owner of grocers.

However, at that time the norms of British society softened a little - and if Margaret had shown gentleness, diplomacy and cunning, she could have won their favor.

But such a path was not for this categorical girl. Her heart was broken, but she didn't show it. Emotions must be kept to yourself!

Staying unmarried in those years was practically a sign of bad taste, and that "there is clearly something wrong with the girl." Margaret was not actively looking for a husband. But, since she was always surrounded by men in her party activities, sooner or later she would meet a suitable candidate.

And so it happened.

Love and marriage

In 1951, she met Denis Thatcher, a former military man and wealthy businessman. The meeting took place at a Conservative Candidate Dinner in Dartford.

At first, she conquered him not with her mind and character - Denis was blinded by her beauty. The age difference between them was 10 years.

Love at first sight did not happen. But they both understood that they were good partners for each other, and their marriage had a chance of success. Their characters agreed - he did not know how to communicate with women, he was ready to support her in everything and did not interfere in most issues. And Margaret needed financial support, which Denis was ready to provide.

Constant communication and recognition of each other led to the emergence of feelings.

However, Denis was not such an ideal candidate - he liked to drink, and there was already a divorce in his past.

This, of course, could not please her father - but by that time Margaret was already making her own decisions.

The relatives of the bride and groom were not too happy about the wedding, but the future couple Thatcher did not care much. And time has shown that it was not in vain - their marriage was incredibly strong, they supported each other, loved - and were happy.

Children

In 1953, the couple had twins Carol and Mark.

The lack of an example in the family of her parents led to the fact that Margaret failed to become a good mother. She generously endowed them, trying to give them everything that she herself did not have. But she did not know the most important thing - how to give love and warmth.

She saw little of her daughter, and their relationship remained cool until the end of her life.

At one time, her father wanted a boy, and she was born. The son became the embodiment of her dream, this desired boy. She spoiled him and allowed him everything. With such an upbringing, he grew up quite self-willed, capricious and adventurous. He enjoyed all the privileges, and everywhere he looked for profit. He caused a lot of problems - debts, problems with the law.

Spousal partnership

The 50s of the 20th century is a rather conservative time. Most of the "doors" are closed to women. Even with some kind of career, family and home remain in the first place.

Men are always in the first roles, men are at the head of families, and the interests and career of a man are always in the first place.

But that was not the case for the Thatcher family. The former military and successful businessman became the shadow and reliable rear of his Margaret. He rejoiced for her after victories, comforted her after defeats and supported her during the struggle. He always followed her quietly and modestly, did not abuse the many opportunities that opened up due to her position.

With all this, Margaret remained a loving woman, was ready to obey her husband - and leave her affairs for his sake.

She was not only a politician and leader, but also a simple woman for whom family values ​​are important.

They were together until the death of Denis in 2003. Margaret survived him by 10 years and passed away on April 8, 2013 due to a stroke.

Her ashes were buried next to her husband.

Thatcher and the USSR

Margaret Thatcher had an antipathy towards the Soviet regime. She practically did not hide it. Many of her actions in one way or another influenced the deterioration of the economic and political situation, and then the collapse of the country.

It is now known that the so-called "arms race" was provoked by false information. The United States and Britain allowed information to allegedly be leaked, according to which their countries possessed much more weapons.

On the British side, this "leak" was made at the initiative of Thatcher.

Believing false information, the Soviet authorities began to significantly increase the cost of arms production. As a result, people faced a "shortage", when it was impossible to buy the most basic consumer goods. And this led to discontent.

The economy of the USSR was undermined not only by the "arms race". The country's economy is very dependent on oil prices. By agreement between England, the USA and the countries of the East, a drop in oil prices was carried out.

Thatcher lobbied for the deployment of American weapons and military bases in the UK and Europe. She also actively supported the increase in the nuclear potential of her country. Such actions only exacerbated the situation during the Cold War.

Thatcher met Gorbachev at Andropov's funeral. In the early 80s, he was little known. But even then he was personally invited by Margaret Thatcher. During this visit, she showed her affection for him.

After this meeting, she said:

"You can do business with this person"

Thatcher made no secret of her desire to destroy the USSR. She carefully studied the constitution of the Soviet Union - and realized that it is imperfect, it has some loopholes, thanks to which any republic can secede from the USSR at any time. There was only one obstacle to this - the strong hand of the Communist Party, which would not allow this. The subsequent weakening and destruction of the Communist Party under Gorbachev made this possible.

One of her statements about the USSR is quite shocking.

She once expressed this idea:

“On the territory of the USSR, the living of 15 million people is economically justified”

This quote caused a significant resonance. It immediately began to be interpreted differently. There were also comparisons to Hitler's ideas of exterminating most of the population.

In fact, Thatcher expressed the following idea - the economy of the USSR is inefficient, only 15 million people are effective and necessary for the economy.

However, even from such a restrained statement, one can understand her attitude towards the country and people.

Video: Margaret Thatcher. Woman at the pinnacle of power

Unpopular decisions and dislike of the people

The categoricalness of Margaret made her quite unpopular among the people. Her policy was aimed at future changes and improvements. But during their implementation, many people suffered, lost their jobs and livelihoods.

She was called the "milk thief". Traditionally, in British schools, children received free milk. But in the 50s, it ceased to be popular with children - more fashionable drinks appeared. Thatcher canceled this item of expenditure, which caused considerable discontent.

British society is not accustomed to such behavior of a politician, and even more so of a woman. Many of her statements are shocking and inhumane.

So, she called for birth control among the poor, to refuse to subsidize the vulnerable segments of the population.

Thatcher ruthlessly closed all unprofitable enterprises and mines. In 1985, 25 mines were closed, by 1992 - 97. All the rest were privatized. This led to unemployment and protests. Margaret sent the police against the protesters - so she lost the support of the working class.

In the early 80s, a serious problem appeared in the world - AIDS. It was necessary to ensure the safety of blood transfusion. However, the Thatcher government ignored this problem and no action was taken on it until 1984-85. As a result, the number of infected people has increased significantly.

Because of her categoricalness, there was also an aggravation in relations with Ireland. Members of the Irish National Liberation and Republican armies were serving their sentences in Northern Ireland. They went on a hunger strike demanding the return of their status as political prisoners. 10 prisoners died during a hunger strike that lasted 73 days - but they never received the desired status. As a result, an attempt was made on Margaret.

Irish politician Danny Morrison called her"the greatest scum we've ever known."

After Thatcher's death, not everyone mourned her. Many rejoiced - and, practically, celebrated. People held parties and walked the streets with posters. She was not forgiven for the milk scandal. After her death, some carried bouquets of flowers to her house, and some carried packages and bottles of milk.

In those days, the song from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, "Ding dong, the witch is dead," was a hit. It peaked at number two on the UK charts in April.

The fruits of Thatcher's policies

Margaret Thatcher was the longest prime minister in the 20th century - 11 years. Despite significant unpopularity with the population and political opponents, she was able to achieve a lot.

The country has become richer, but wealth is distributed very unevenly, and only certain groups of the population began to live much better.

It significantly weakened the influence of trade unions. She also closed unprofitable mines. This led to unemployment. But, at the same time, subsidizing began to train people in new professions.

Thatcher carried out a reform of state ownership and gave many state-owned enterprises for privatization. Ordinary Britons could buy shares in any enterprise - the railway, coal, gas companies. Having passed into private ownership, enterprises began to develop and increase profits. One third of state property has been privatized.

Stopped financing unprofitable industries. All enterprises worked only under contracts - what they did was what they got. This stimulated them to improve product quality and fight for the client.

Loss-making enterprises were destroyed. They were replaced by small and medium businesses. Along with this, many new jobs have appeared. Thanks to these new companies, the UK economy gradually emerged from the crisis.

During her reign, more than a million British families were able to purchase their own homes.

The personal wealth of ordinary citizens increased by 80%.

Interesting facts from the life of the Iron Lady

• The nickname "Iron Lady" first appeared in the Soviet newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.
• When Margaret's husband Denis first saw the newborn babies, he said, "They look like rabbits! Maggie, bring them back."

American diplomats spoke of Thatcher as follows: "A woman with a quick, though shallow mind."

• She was inspired to go into politics by Winston Churchill. He became her idol during World War II. She even borrowed the gesture that was his calling card - the V sign formed by the index and middle fingers.
• Thatcher's school nickname is "toothpick".
• She was the first woman to lead a party in the UK.
• One of the main sources of her views on economics is Friedrich von Hayek's The Road to Slavery. It expresses ideas about reducing the role of the state in the economy.
• As a child, Margaret played the piano, and during her university years she took part in student theater productions and took vocal lessons.
• As a child, Thatcher wanted to be an actress.
• Margaret's alma mater, Oxford, did not honor her with titles. Therefore, she transferred her entire archive to Cambridge. She also cut funding for Oxford.
• One of Margaret's lovers left her, marrying her sister, as she could become a better wife and housewife.

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