4. foreign relations

Question 1

what was the purpose of the 1950 schuman plan

Answer 1

set out proposals for a coal + steel community that would integrate french + german heavy industry, promoting rapid econ reconstruction + bind previous enemies. foundation of eec

Question 2

why was britain initially opposed to eec membership

Answer 2

v few politicians/journalists in favour

left suspicious of free market policies behind common market

right favoured trade links w australia, canada, nz etc

belief that was european issue, whereas britain had ‘won the war’

assumption that britain still great colonial power

wish to focus on the special relationship

Question 3

consequences of britains lack of involvement in 1955 messina talks

Answer 3

observed but didnt engage - meant france + germany leaders of eec

treaty of rome launched eec without britain 1957

Question 4

why did mac want to apply to eec 1961

Answer 4

hoped it would…

boost industrial production for large scale export market

increase industrial efficency - more compeition

stimulate economic growth