Margaret Thatcher, often referred to as "The Iron Lady," was a trailblazing figure in British politics. Serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, she left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

Margaret Thatcher was born on October 13, 1925 in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Her father, Alfred Roberts, was a merchant and her mother, Beatrice Roberts, was a housewife.

Thatcher was educated at Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School in Finchley. She then studied chemistry at Oxford University. While at Oxford, Thatcher joined the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom.

After graduating, Thatcher worked as a lawyer. In 1959 she was elected MP for Finchley. In 1970 she served in Edward Heath's cabinet as Minister for Education and Science.

She was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 1975. During her leadership, Thatcher moved the party to the right. Her economic policies, known as "Thatcherism", focused on reducing the role of the state in the economy and promoting a free market economy.

Thatcher won the general election in 1979 and became prime minister. During her premiership, she implemented policies of economic liberalism, social conservatism and opposition to the European Union.

Thatcher's economic policies helped the UK economy to recover. These policies included measures such as reducing state control, lowering taxes and encouraging privatization.

Thatcher's economic policies helped to reduce the UK's unemployment rate and boost growth. However, they also led to rising unemployment and poverty.

Thatcher's policies of social conservatism hindered progress on issues such as women's rights and gay rights. Thatcher felt that these issues threatened the structure of family and society.

Thatcher's policies of social conservatism were criticized by women's and gay rights advocates.

Thatcher was also known for her opposition to the European Union. Thatcher felt that the European Union threatened the independence of the United Kingdom.

Thatcher opposed the enlargement of the European Union and the United Kingdom joining the European currency, the euro.

Thatcher resigned as leader of the Conservative Party in 1990. She died on April 8, 2013 in London.

Margaret Thatcher is one of the most controversial figures in the history of the United Kingdom. Her fans see her as a leader who revitalized the UK economically and reduced the threat of communism. Her critics see her as a ruthless and divisive leader.