Several countries have disputed Falklands ownership since first making landfall 18th century . Islands have been coveted as strategic military stopover and potential wellspring of resources . Argentina and Britain fought over the islands in 1982 . More recently , the Argentinians have accused the British of blatant colonialism .
Several countries have disputed Falklands ownership since first recorded landfall in17th century . Islands have been coveted as strategic shipping stopover and potential wellspring of resources . Argentina and Britain fought over the islands in 1982 . More recently , the Argentinians have accused the British of blatant colonialism .