EFTA and attempts to join the EEC Flashcards
When and what was the Schuman Plan?
1950 - Coal and Steel community that would integrate French and German heavy industry in order to promote rapid economic reconstruction and to bind the two countries together.
What was the lefts initial view on joining the EEC?
They were suspicious of the free-market principles behind the common market: Morrison - ‘the durham miners won’t wear it, i’m afraid’.
What was the right’s initial view on joining the EEC?
They regarded the preservation of traditional trade links with Australia, Canada and New Zealand as more important than Europe.
Why would the EEC be an issue for continental Europe?
The Germans had been deadly wartime enemies, France had been overrun and occupied; in contrast Britain had ‘won the war’.
Give 3 other reasons why Britain did not want to join the EEC.
- Few politicians in favour of Britain taking up the leadership role in Europe that was on offer.
- An assumption that Britain was still a great world power.
- They wanted to balance its involvement in Europe with maintaining the ‘special relationship’ with the USA.
What happened in 1957?
The treaty in Rome launched the EEC without Britain.
What was De Gaulle’s view on Britain’s application?
He was determined to protect the partnership between France and Germany from ‘les Anglo-Saxons’ and the USA.
What happened in 1959?
British attitudes began to change and EFTA was set up - this was only moderately successful and could not match the economic growth of the EEC.
Give 3 reasons why Britain wanted to join the EEC.
- To boost industrial production for a large-scale export market.
- To increase efficiency with greater competition
- To stimulate economic growth with the rapid economic expansion already seen in the EEC.
What was USA’s view on Britain joining the EEC?
They were keen to see Britain join the EEC for strategic reasons, seeing Britain as a vital link between Europe and America.
What had the belief in Britain’s imperial power been shaken by?
The Suez crisis and by the accelerating pace of decolonisation in Africa.
What made negotiations with the EEC complex and difficult?
Britain wanted to keep its position in two other areas of world affairs: the Commonwealth and the USA. Britain struggled to conform to the EEC’s policies.
