Making Margaret
Margaret Thatcher's inner circle reveals how she managed to overcome her outsider status to become a prominent political figure in Britain.
In the first episode of this series charting the irresistible rise and dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher, her inner circle reveals how Margaret Thatcher manages to overcome her outsider status to become a prominent political figure in Britain. After a controversial policy has the press label her the 'Milk-snatcher' her political future is in jeopardy but she survives when prime minister Edward Heath decides not to sack her.
Dismayed by his stewardship of the country in the early 1970s Mrs Thatcher challenges Heath for leadership of the Conservatives. As a woman from a modest social background she appears unlike any of her colleagues but with the help of canny political operators she achieves the apparently impossible and defeats Heath and the party elite who backed him.
Those closest to her at the time describe how as new leader of the Conservatives she begins to support controversial policies that will shake-up the economic and political settlement that has prevailed in Britain since the second world war. She promotes free market ideas, transforming the economy and reducing trade union power.
She also adopts a new political persona taking on the mantle of the 'Iron Lady' given to her by the Soviet press and seeks help from advisors who change her image and her voice as she seeks the support of the British electorate.
As the 1979 election approaches Margaret Thatcher embarks on an energetic campaign to unseat Labour and usher in a new era that will bring turbulent change and division and be dominated by the force of her personality and ideas.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Next
Clips
-
Margaret Thatcher's Makeover
Duration: 01:28
-
Margaret Thatcher Milk Snatcher
Duration: 00:52
-
When Margaret Thatcher's Career Was Nearly Ended
Duration: 00:55
-
Michael Heseltine Describes Margaret Thatcher
Duration: 01:31
Music Played
-
Wings
Let 'Em In
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Executive Producer | Steve Condie |
Director | James House |
Broadcasts
- Mon 20 May 2019 21:00
- Wed 22 May 2019 23:15
- Fri 7 Jun 2019 00:45
- Sun 21 Jun 2020 19:00
- Tue 17 Nov 2020 21:00
- Wed 18 Nov 2020 02:10
- Wed 8 Jun 2022 21:00
- Thu 9 Jun 2022 03:00
Featured in...
The Battle for Power
Exploring the lives of politicians and powerful figures, and their tumultuous times.
The Story of the British Isles
The history of the British Isles, from the Romans to the twentieth century.
Margaret Thatcher's Britain
A collection of programmes exploring the life and times of the UK's first female PM.
History on 麻豆官网首页入口 Four
The most compelling stories from world history on 麻豆官网首页入口 Four.
Power Politics
Exploring the lives of politicians and powerful figures, and their tumultuous times.