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Conventional war and 'new' wars, 1976 to 2000
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In the late 20th century, wars ranged from naval battles in the South Atlantic to high-tech air campaigns in the Gulf.
The Falklands War, 1982
Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands; Britain sent a task force 8,000 miles.
Aircraft carriers were vital for air cover. A British nuclear-powered submarine sank the Argentine cruiser *General Belgrano*.
Britain retook the islands.
Aircraft carriers were vital for air cover. A British nuclear-powered submarine sank the Argentine cruiser *General Belgrano*.
Britain retook the islands.
Afghanistan and the end of the arms race
The USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Afghan mujahideen fought a guerrilla war, helped by US weapons; the Soviets withdrew in 1989.
US President Reagan's 'Star Wars' plan (1983) for a space-based missile defence put pressure on the USSR.
Arms reduction treaties and the end of the Cold War ended the nuclear arms race.
US President Reagan's 'Star Wars' plan (1983) for a space-based missile defence put pressure on the USSR.
Arms reduction treaties and the end of the Cold War ended the nuclear arms race.
The First Gulf War, 1991
After Iraq invaded Kuwait, a US-led coalition used precision-guided weapons, stealth aircraft and overwhelming air power, then a rapid ground offensive.
Kuwait was freed in weeks with relatively few coalition casualties.
Kuwait was freed in weeks with relatively few coalition casualties.
Why were aircraft carriers so important in the Falklands War?
- The islands were far from British air bases.
- Carriers provided fighter planes to protect the fleet and troops.
- Without them, the task force would have had no air cover.
Answer: They gave air cover thousands of miles from home.
Falklands (1982): carriers and a nuclear submarine helped Britain retake the islands. Afghanistan (1979 to 89): mujahideen guerrilla war against the USSR. Star Wars (1983) and the end of the Cold War ended the arms race. First Gulf War (1991): precision weapons and air power freed Kuwait.
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