today’s birthday: Margaret Thatcher (1925)

Margaret Thatcher (1925)

The first female prime minister of Great Britain, Thatcher served longer than any other British prime minister in the 20th century. She is noted for policies that dismantled many aspects of Britain’s postwar welfare state and privatized many state-run industries. Her introduction of a controversial “poll tax” met with widespread public disapproval and contributed, along with internal party disputes over European integration, to her 1990 resignation. Why was she called the “Iron Lady“? More… Discuss

today’s holiday: Malta Independence Day

Malta Independence Day

This is a nationwide celebration of Malta’s independence, achieved on September 21, 1964. Malta was under the control of various political entities from its earliest days. In the early 19th century, the Maltese acknowledged Great Britain’s sovereignty. Malta’s heroic stand against the Axis in World War II won a declaration that self-government would be restored at the end of the war, and indeed self-government under another constitution was granted in 1947. It was revoked and restored before independence was finally granted. Independence Day is celebrated with parades and festivities throughout the country. More… Discuss

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today’s holiday: Bahamas Independence Day

Bahamas Independence Day

The Bahama Islands gained independence from Great Britain at 12:01 a.m. on this day in 1973. The islands had been a British colony for nearly 250 years, but are now a commonwealth, with their own prime minister and parliament. Businesses are closed on the tenth, a legal holiday, but festivities go on for a week with parades and celebrations. A fireworks display at Clifford Park in Nassau on July 10 tops off the celebrations. More… Discuss

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THIS DAY IN THE YESTERYEAR: MARGARET THATCHER BECOMES PRIME MINISTER OF THE UK (1979)

Margaret Thatcher Becomes Prime Minister of the UK (1979)

Thatcher was Great Britain’s first female prime minister and served longer than any other British prime minister in the 20th century. While in office, she initiated what became known as the “Thatcher Revolution,” a series of social and economic changes that dismantled many aspects of Britain’s postwar welfare state, establishing free-market economic policies and deregulating industries. Before embarking on her political career, she was a research chemist working with what popular dessert food? More… Discuss

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TODAY’S HOLIDAY: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day

This day commemorating women is one of the most widely observed holidays of recent origin. It has its roots in the March 8, 1857, revolt of women in New York City, protesting conditions in the textile and garment industries, although it wasn’t proclaimed a holiday until 1910. In Great Britain and the United States, International Women’s Day is marked by special exhibitions, films, etc., in praise of women. In the former U.S.S.R., women received honors for distinguished service in industry, aviation, military service, and other fields. More… Discuss

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TODAY’S HOLIDAY: SRI LANKA NATIONAL DAY

Sri Lanka National Day

The former British colony of Ceylon changed its name in 1972 to Sri Lanka, which means “Blessed Isle.” Sri Lankans commemorate the granting of their independence from Great Britain on February 4, 1948, with public gatherings throughout the island and special services in the temples, churches, and mosques. There are also parades, folk dances, processions, and national games. More… Discuss

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