Maggie From the grim economic circumstances in the late 1970s to the glamour and neo-conservatism of the late 1980s, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ruled the U.K. with a fistful of hard-line economic, social and foreign policies that helped earn her the name "The Iron Lady." Whether one loved or hated her, she was arguably the most significant Englishwoman since Queen Elizabeth I. This program is a lively and revealing portrait of this towering public figure. When's it on? In your opinion, what reasons account for Margaret Thatcher's success? Compare Margaret Thatcher with other 20th-century women leaders (e.g. Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Corazon Aquino). Do you think her leadership style was unique or similar? A noted British actress, who abhorred Thatcher's politics, was nonetheless happy about her prominence, because her visibility would provide encouragement to young girls. Do you agree that Thatcher is a role model for girls? Why or why not? Thatcher believes that "you don't compromise on things that matter." Do you think that is a sound political policy? Margaret Thatcher said, "If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman." Do you think she followed her own advice based on her reluctance to advance the careers of other women in government and to surround herself with male associates? Do you think it was difficult for Denis Thatcher to be "first husband?" How do you think an American man would react to being the husband of a female president? Do you think her detractors would have been equally critical if Margaret Thatcher had been a man? Why or why not? Why do you think Thatcher was so determined to try to restore Britain's "greatness?" Do you agree that Thatcher is one of the few political leaders who seriously changed her times and her country? Why or why not?
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