Rise to power

Oct 13, 1925

Margaret Hilda Roberts born in Grantham, eastern England.

Dec 13, 1951

Marries businessman Denis Thatcher.

Aug 15, 1953

Birth of twin children Carol and Mark.

Oct 8, 1959

Thatcher elected Conservative member of Parliament for Finchley, north London.

Oct 15, 1964

Re-elected despite Labour Party victory; becomes opposition spokeswoman on pensions, then housing, treasury (deputy to finance spokesman), energy, transport and education.

June 19, 1970

Conservatives regain power; Thatcher appointed education and science secretary.

Feb 11, 1975

Thatcher elected Conservative leader after party enters opposition.

May 3, 1979

Conservatives in election landslide victory after financial and social problems of Labour government; Thatcher becomes Britain's first female prime minister.