Britain's relations with Europe 1951-1997

Question 1

What was the European Economic Commuity? (OEEC) When was it created? Under what treaty?

Answer 1

It was aimed at bringing about economic integration amongst countries
created in the Treaty of Rome 1957

Question 2

What was the Organisation of the European Economic co-operation?

Answer 2

Set up to aid and re-build war-torn Europe

Question 3

When was the Council of Europe set up and what for?

Answer 3

1949 - to promote unity and human rights

Question 4

Why did the Conservative government not join the EEC in 1950’s? 3 reasons

Answer 4

1. wanted to turn commonwealth into trading bloc
2. disliked committment
3. Did not believe all countries would co-operate

Question 5

What did Harold Macmillan realise in 1960’s about Britain’s colonial empire? What did he do?

Answer 5

it had no future and so tried to start relations back with Europe

Question 6

What was the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?

Answer 6

it was a rival to the EEC made by macmillan and it would not involve or hurt national sovereignty

Question 7

What was the EEC?

Answer 7

single trade area with common external tariff and known as common market

Question 8

What did Britain realise in 1961 about the common market?

Answer 8

That in order for Britain to be economically successful - it needed to join the common market

Question 9

What did some politicians see wrong with the common market?

Answer 9

That it would limit Britain’s freedom to make its own decisions

Question 10

When Labour turned to power in 1974, what did Harold Wilson do?

Answer 10

called a national referendum over membership

Question 11

When did Britain join EEC?

Answer 11

1973

Question 12

Why did British attitudes change towards Europe between 1950-75? 3

Answer 12

Losing the empire made them focus on Europe
Heath was pro-european
retirement of De Gaulle made British entry possible

Question 13

What were 3 of Thatchers policies towards Europe?

Answer 13

Britain had paid too much to the EEC budget
Conservative economic policy had done more for country’s economy than EEC
closer European integration was threat to British sovereignty

Question 14

When did Britain withdraw from the Exchange rate mechanism?

Answer 14

1992

Question 15

Why did people fear the Maastricht treaty?

Answer 15

they feared it was another step closer to making Europe run from Brussels

Question 16

What was the Maastricht Treaty?

Answer 16

committed full integration of countries currencies, foreign policy and protection

Question 17

Why did some people believe being part of Europe was good?

Answer 17

because it brought more trade and investment into Britain fro outside than Britain could achieve on it’s own