IN OFFICE

April 2, 1982

War breaks out between Britain and Argentina over the Malvinas Islands, known as the Falkland Islands in the UK. Thatcher sends troops and ships to the islands.

June 9, 1983

Thatcher leads Conservatives to re-election.

March 12, 1984

Coal miners' strike begins in northern England; drags on for a year before miners accept sweeping pit closures.

Oct 12, 1984

Irish Republican Army bombs Thatcher's hotel at Conservative annual conference in Brighton, southern England; she escapes injury but five others killed.

Dec 16, 1984

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev meets Thatcher; afterwards she calls him a man she "can do business with".

Dec 19, 1984

Thatcher signs joint declaration to return Hong Kong to China in July 1997.

June 11, 1987

Thatcher leads Conservatives to third straight term in office.

Nov 28, 1990

Resigns after revolt among Conservatives.