How crucial were the Falklands war to Margaret Thatcher's election victory in 1983?

 It can be argued that the Falklands war was an essential factor in Thatcher's landslide election victory in 1983 that saw the Conservative Party win a 144 seat majority. By 1982, economic and social unrest had began to take its toll on Conservative popularity; Thatcher's victory was undoubtedly instrumental in boosting popularity once more. Crucially, the Falklands was a quick war, meaning it did not put prolonged strain on the government's resources or on the population. Thatcher acted quickly and decisively, giving her a victory that allowed the country to rally behind her once more. The victory also boosted Britain's rapidly declining standing on the world stage, evidented by the fact that the Argenitnians admired Thatcher post-Falklands, rather than resented her.

Economic success, whilst not quite as important as the Falkland's victory, also played an important role in the landslide election victory of 1983. Under Thatcherist economic policy, inflation was falling. In 1979, inflation stood at 13.4%. In 1983, inflation was at 4.6%. By Thatcher's second general election, it was becoming apparent that her economic policies were, to an extent, beginning to work. Whilst economic successes are an important factor in the 1983 election victory, the decicive factor was undoubtedly the Falklands war victory. This is evidented by Callaghan's later remark, "I wish I'd had a war."