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Why did Argentina claim sovereignty over the Falkland Islands?

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Map showing the Falkland Islands War of 1982, with the left inset displaying southern South America, highlighting Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Argentine air force and naval bases, and the British 200-mile war zone. The main map details West and East Falkland, marking Argentine troop concentrations, areas of conflict, and the path of the British advance toward Stanley, along with key settlements and landing sites. — Falkland Islands War The Falkland Islands War zone (left) and route of British landing forces (right).

Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands—which it refers to as the Malvinas—is rooted in several historical, legal, and geographical arguments. Following its independence from Spain in 1816, the Buenos Aires government proclaimed sovereignty over the islands in 1820, asserting a right of succession from the Spanish crown.1

Specifically, Argentina’s position has been based on the following foundations:

Historical Succession: Argentina claims the islands as a successor to the rights previously held by Spain, citing papal bulls from 1493 as modified by the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided New World territories between Spain and Portugal.1
Geographical Proximity: Argentina emphasizes the islands' location near the South American mainland.1
Decolonization: Argentina has argued that the British presence represents a colonial situation that should be ended, maintaining that the islands are an integral part of its national territory, specifically the province of Tierra del Fuego.12