www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab66-65-wp45-311.jpg
Falkland Islands 1955
The British first claimed the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic in 1770.
Despite counter-claims by the Spanish and
later Argentinean governments, the
British settled the islands in the 19th century. The
Islands provided coaling
stations for the Royal Navy in the 19th and 20th
centuries, and were a
valuable way-station for administering the British presence in Antarctica. In
1982 Britain and Argentina fought a war over
the sovereignty of the islands,
which the British won.
Images
The Falkland Islands had an important strategic role
in both world wars and is
one of Britain’s few remaining overseas territories.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab129-175-cp55-9-a.jpg
Map shows the position of the Falklands in relation to Antarctica –
an area
protected by international treaty.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab129-175-cp55-9-b.jpg
