Pivotal events that shaped the leadership style of Margaret Thatcher include her early experiences in a family of grocers that instilled a strong work ethic and her education at Oxford, where she developed critical analytical skills. The economic challenges of the 1970s, characterized by high inflation and unemployment, significantly influenced her conservative policies. Additionally, her unwavering stance against the Cold War and emphasis on free-market principles helped define her approach as Britain’s first female Prime Minister, earning her the nickname "The Iron Lady."