Margaret Thatcher: The Autobiography

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After graduating, she moved to Colchester, where she worked as a research chemist for BX Plastics. In 1951, she was invited to stand as the Conservative candidate in the safe Labour seat of Dartford. Although she lost, she impressed many in the party with her strong, articulate views. She also married Denis Thatcher in 1951. In 1953, she gave birth to two twins Carol and Mark. Behind this dispute there was profound disagreement within the government over policy towards the European Community itself. The Prime Minister found herself increasingly at odds with her Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, on all questions touching European integration. Her speech at Bruges in September 1988 began the process by which the Conservative Party — at one time largely 'pro-European' — became predominantly 'Euro-sceptic'. The second term opened with almost as many difficulties as the first. The government found itself challenged by the miners' union, which fought a year-long strike in 1984-85 under militant leadership. The labour movement as a whole put up bitter resistance to the government's trade union reforms, which began with legislation in 1980 and 1982 and continued after the General Election.

Critics and supporters alike recognise the Thatcher premiership as a period of fundamental importance in British history. Margaret Thatcher accumulated huge prestige over the course of the 1980s and often compelled the respect even of her bitterest critics. Indeed, her effect on the terms of political debate has been profound. Whether they were converted to 'Thatcherism', or merely forced by the electorate to pay it lip service, the Labour Party leadership was transformed by her period of office and the 'New Labour' politics of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown would not have existed without her. Her legacy remains the core of modern British politics: the world economic crisis since 2008 has revived many of the arguments of the 1980s, keeping her name at the centre of political debate in Britain. When summarizing the book, it should be noted that in the beginning, it describes Margaret Thatcher’s childhood in detail. For example, one learns that Margaret Thatcher (nee Roberts) was born on October 13, 1925 in Grantema, Lincolnshire. When telling about her early days, Thatcher intends to show that education that one receives is not necessarily an indicator of what heights a person reaches. For instance, the book states that initially Margaret Thatcher was educated as a chemist. She studied chemistry for four years at Oxford University and received her Bachelor of Science degree. Then, she worked as a research chemist upon the development of emulsifiers for the production of ice cream. Yet, she did not pursue this career and turned to politics. Her political career has actually become the main aspect in the autobiography. According to Margaret Thatcher, while she was still a student, she became a chairperson of the Conservative Party of Oxford University. From the beginning of the 1950s, she began to fight for a place in the Parliament, and in 1959, she achieved her goal by becoming a member of the House of Commons. Later, in 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first and so far the only woman who occupied the post of the Prime Minister of Great Britain. She stayed on the position for three terms that was the longest time since 1827. At the same time, Margaret Thatcher was also the first woman prime minister of the European country. For such determination and commitment, she was given a ‘iron lady’. Therefore, the author shows the reader that a woman as well as a man can reach the top positions in politics. In addition to telling about Thatcher’s political career, the book uncovers facts regarding her personal and family life and proves that a successful woman can combine both work and family responsibilities.

There are, of course, plenty of good books about Mrs. Thatcher. But Moore’s is comfortably the best: indeed, with its elegant prose, dry wit, prodigious research and careful judgments, it is one of the best political biographies I have ever read.”–Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times Many felt this was inappropriate given the recent casualties on both the British and Argentinian sides.

The campaign in Dartford marked the beginning of an eventful decade. Margaret met her husband, Denis, a fellow scientist, and gave birth to twins – Mark and Carol. Her rise through the ranks of the Conservative party continued. In 1959, she was given a safe seat of her own – Finchley, in London.

Success!

Margaret Thatcher ended her speech with a quotation from the Italian saint Francis of Assisi: “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony.” The book Margaret Thatcher: The Autobiography written by Margaret Thatcher herself and first published in 2013 aims to tell about one of the most outstanding women politicians in the history of Great Britain. It was written at the end of her career, and it depicts Margaret Thatcher as the first and, so far, the only female who has managed to win the post of the Prime Minister in the country. What is more, she was re-elected three times. The book touches upon the life of this outstanding figure, her ups and downs, personal experiences, search for freedom and secrets of success. In addition, a reader is able to find the information on the economic reforms that saved the country from decay and patriarchal laws and conventions that prevented Thatcher from the achievement of the main political goals Instead, we get a few concluding insights into Thatcher as a person. They are all sharp, and often make her seem more sympathetic. Perhaps the best of all is this: “Mrs Thatcher combined an immense assurance about following her own way with a permanent uneasiness in life.” She created an uneasy country for the rest of us to live in. Margaret threw herself into politics. She took part in debates, gave speeches, and campaigned for the Conservative party in the general election of 1945.