Timeline

1. European Coal & Steel Community established in 1952. 6 members pooled together steel and coal to make sure Germany wouldn’t rise again.
   
2. Treaty of Rome – 1957 – led to European Economic Community. Treaty formed a common market where there were little trade limitations – improving international relations.
3. Tried to form European Defence Community so they would have a European Army. France opposed.
4. More countries began to join in 1973.
5. Maastricht Treaty 1992 to set up the European Union.
6. Creation of the Euro 2002. Idea was to make the currency homogeneous to limit economic barriers between countries.

Themes

·        France – Monet vs. De Gaulle. Monet was a federalist – he wanted Europe to be like a country made up of states – e.g. like America. Federalist Structure. De Gaulle wanted integration but wanted to keep French sovereignty. The argument continues today – i.e. Britain wanting to keep sovereignty by not taking on the euro.

·        Idea of the nation-state.

·        German Problem – early theme. Stronger Europe minimises role of German problem.

·        Britain’s role in Europe – sceptical of idea of European integration.

·        Do people want to be European? Many would say nationality rather than European.

·        Now 27 members – new members – people question how much we can actually integrate with these people – different cultures. Religions etc.

·        Role of Europe as a global power – how much power should they have? All economies and people put together would be so strong – what role should Europe have in foreign affairs?

·        To be a global power – must need a common global policy – e.g. Iraq war – Britain was pro Iraq yet France was anti.

·        How democratic is Europe? Votes for MEPs every 5 years. Turnout is very low – people don’t understand the system and feel underrepresented and so will not feel integrated.

·        Future of Europe? Federalist or will the nation state still exist?