When were the Falkland Islands Argentine territory?

Answer 1

The islands became territory of Argentina in 1816, at the time of Argentinian independence from Spain. They had been part of the administrative jurisdiction of Spain's Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata. Argentina's claim is based substantially on this. This also applied to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The occupation of the Malvinas/Falklands islands has a long and potted history, with different countries occupying different parts. The first occupiers were French - they had a settlement on the island of East Falkland, established in 1764. This French settlement was purchased outright by the Spanish in 1766, and the Spanish became the effective controllers of the islands from thereon. The British established a settlement at Port Egmont, also in 1766. Port Egmont was on Saunders Island, a tiny island in the west of the group. The Spanish drove the British out of Port Egmont just four years later in 1770. Britain returned briefly in the following year of 1771, but permanently withdrew from Port Egmont n 1774. With the Spanish Empire under severe pressure, and fighting independence-seeking patriots throughout Latin America, it also was forced to withdraw permanently from the islands in 1811.

So by the time of Argentina's independence, British settlement of a tiny part of the the islands had been just seven years (1766-1770 and 1771-1774). Spain's occupation and effective administration of the islands had been 45 years (1766-1811).

Argentina formally proclaimed annexation of the islands in 1820, and began actual occupation in 1826. They had both a settlement (at Puerto Soledad) and a penal colony. The settlement was destroyed by a United States warship (USS Lexington) in December 1831. In 1832 Argentina sent another governor to regain control over the islands and the escaped prisoners, but he was killed in a mutiny.

In the following year, 1833, British armed forces seized possession of all the islands, and expelled the remaining Argentinian citizens. The British then began to repopulate the islands with British citizens. What the British had done was to take advantage of the internal political instability of the new republic, and use the opportunity to take possession of the islands. This was a favourite tactic of the British - they also took possession of parts of Guayana, whilst Venezuela was racked with internal struggles during the early years of its independence.

The pros and cons of the Argentinian and British claims can be discussed till the cows (or sheep and penguins) come home. I've shown different views in the links below, and you will find that there are instances of factual disagreement. However to provide a summary answer to your question, we can say with certainty that the islands were occupied and administered by the Argentines for seven years (1826-1833).

Answer 2

First discovered in 1592 by a British sailor.
First British settlement was in 1766
Under UK control since 1833

Answer 3

Never, pre british it was part of chile. Time for the Argentinians to get over the fact they invaded a British Colony and got there arses well and truly kicked

Answer 4

its never been their territory but they had small settlements in 1833. go to www.falklands.gov.fk/ for the full story