Margaret Thatcher was one of the defining personalities of the 20th century. In diplomacy, economics, society and as a woman, she had enormous impact at home and abroad. The test of a statesman is whether he or she changes the political weather. Thatcher, who won an unprecedented three consecutive general elections, certainly did that as UK prime minister from 1979 to 1990. What do you think about the loss of Britain's 'Iron Lady'? Share your thoughts on CNN iReport But Thatcher not only changed the philosophy of her own party, the right-leaning Conservatives, she also forced other parties to change their whole approach to politics. Since Thatcher, all British mainstream parties have been believers, more or less, in the market economy.
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Margaret Thatcher was the UK's first female prime minister
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She had changed the philosophy of the Conservatives as well other parties
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Thatcher founded popular capitalism in Britain
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Her strength made her an icon to conservatives in many parts of the world
They say it was under @placeholder's financial ministers that chronic underspending on Britain's public services created problems that are still being rectified today.