Britain and Europe Flashcards
What does the EEC stand for?
European Economic Community
Why was it formed?
It was formed to
- avoid another war
- for economic reconstruction and recovery
- for economic and military cooperation
What is said to be their main achievement?
To establish basic human rights, which lead to the foundation of the European Court of Human Rights.
What form of industry was greatly encouraged to be led in cooperation ?
The coal and steel industry. (These two products are essential to wage war, they therefore compromised and strengthened the countries in cooperation while tying them together)
What was Britain’s post-war trading strategy and why didn’t it involve Europe?
Britain’s post war trading strategy revolved around Commonwealth and the USA. They were not convinced of the urgency in creating a European Union.
When did the two Rome treaties mark the creation of the European Economic Community?
1957.
What did the treaties of Rome encourage?
- free movement of labour, goods and capital
- common economic and financial policies
- to one day attempt to equal superpowers.
Why was the European Atomic Community - Euratom - created?
Euratom was set up with a high authority to develop the peaceful application of nuclear power.
What purpose did the European Investment Bank have?
It’s purpose was to help to finance project work, particularly in less privileged areas of the EEC.
What is CAP?
CAP is the Common Agricultural Policy. It came about when agriculture was a declining industry. However, it had many negative environmental impacts, and heavy subsidies led to surpluses.
What, from an economic point of view, changed Britain’s mind about EEC?
Britain’s economy had performed weakly throughout the 50s and 60s, while the Six in EEC had undergone a strong economic growth.
Why was Britain reluctant to join at first?
Because it meant losing privileges including the Commonwealth, EFTA and relations with the USA.
Who played a major role in the refusal of Britain?
DeGaulle. He was suspicious as to Britain’s motives, believed it would never be willing to give up it’s economic privileges, and was also convinced of a possible USA influence on Europe through UK.
When was Britain finally accepted?
After DeGaulle’s retirement, in 1973.
What was the answer to the UK referendum of 1975, which demanded if it was preferable to the British to stay in the trade union or not?
Yes. 67% of the British voted to stay in Europe.
What were the consequences of Britain staying in Europe?
- No longer able to buy cheap food from the Commonwealth.
- The CAP raised the price of food in Britain.
- The Common Fisheries Policy restricted Britain’s right to fish on traditional grounds, which led to the virtual destruction of Britain’s fishing industry.
What was the general feeling in Britain about Europe in the time?
That Britain was contributing more than it was it was receiving. For instance in the early 80s Britain was paying 20% of the revenue raised by the EEC but only receiving 8% of it’s expenditure.
How much did Britain gain on an economical standpoint regarding it’s membership?
Very little, especially as 1973 coincided with the Oil Crisis which restricted the British Economy. British exports even began to decline after 1973.
What was Margaret Thatcher’s quote in regard to Britain’s European membership?
“We are simply asking to have our money back.” and “No, no, no.” in respect of moves towards the European integration in the aftermaths of an EU summit.
What were Thatcher’s beliefs when it came to Europe ?
She was pro-Europe but anti-centralist and anti-federalist. She insisted on not surrendering the English currency , and desired to maintain national pride, identity and (certain) political traditions.
What did the Maastricht Treaty impose?
The Maastricht treaty marked the creation of the European UNION (and all that that entails) and led to the single European Currency: the euro.
It also introduced European citizenship, and launched European cooperation in foreign affairs, security, asylum, and immigration.
What did the UK opt out of in the Maastricht treaty?
Schengen and the Euro.
What devaluated the Pound sterling after the 1980s?
An unstable market.
What happened in Europe between 1989 and 1991?
The communist countries of Eastern Europe collapsed, which led to destabilising fragmentation in the USSR.
